PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA
PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
FIFTY-EIGHTH PARLIAMENT
FIRST SESSION
Wednesday, 22 June 2016 (Extract from book 9)
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The Governor The Honourable LINDA DESSAU, AM The Lieutenant-Governor The Honourable Justice MARILYN WARREN, AC, QC
The ministry (to 22 May 2016)
Premier ...... The Hon. D. M. Andrews, MP
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education ...... The Hon. J. A. Merlino, MP
Treasurer ...... The Hon. T. H. Pallas, MP
Minister for Public Transport and Minister for Employment ...... The Hon. J. Allan, MP
Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade ...... The Hon. P. Dalidakis, MLC
Minister for Industry, and Minister for Energy and Resources ...... The Hon. L. D’Ambrosio, MP
Minister for Roads and Road Safety, and Minister for Ports ...... The Hon. L. A. Donnellan, MP
Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Minister for Sport and Minister for Veterans ...... The Hon. J. H. Eren, MP
Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing, Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Equality and Minister for Creative Industries ...... The Hon. M. P. Foley, MP
Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation ...... The Hon. J. F. Garrett, MP
Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services ...... The Hon. J. Hennessy, MP
Minister for Training and Skills ...... The Hon. S. R. Herbert, MLC
Minister for Local Government, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Minister for Industrial Relations ...... The Hon. N. M. Hutchins, MP
Special Minister of State ...... The Hon. G. Jennings, MLC
Minister for Families and Children, and Minister for Youth Affairs ...... The Hon. J. Mikakos, MLC
Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water ...... The Hon. L. M. Neville, MP
Minister for Police and Minister for Corrections ...... The Hon. W. M. Noonan, MP
Attorney-General and Minister for Racing ...... The Hon. M. P. Pakula, MP
Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Regional Development ...... The Hon. J. L. Pulford, MLC
Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence ...... The Hon. F. Richardson, MP
Minister for Finance and Minister for Multicultural Affairs ...... The Hon. R. D. Scott, MP
Minister for Planning ...... The Hon. R. W. Wynne, MP
Cabinet Secretary ...... Ms M. Kairouz, MP
The Governor The Honourable LINDA DESSAU, AM The Lieutenant-Governor The Honourable Justice MARILYN WARREN, AC, QC
The ministry (from 23 May 2016)
Premier ...... The Hon. D. M. Andrews, MP
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education ...... The Hon. J. A. Merlino, MP
Treasurer ...... The Hon. T. H. Pallas, MP
Minister for Public Transport and Minister for Major Projects ...... The Hon. J. Allan, MP
Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade...... The Hon. P. Dalidakis, MLC
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, and Minister for Suburban Development ...... The Hon. L. D’Ambrosio, MP
Minister for Roads and Road Safety, and Minister for Ports ...... The Hon. L. A. Donnellan, MP
Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Minister for Sport and Minister for Veterans ...... The Hon. J. H. Eren, MP
Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing, Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Equality and Minister for Creative Industries ...... The Hon. M. P. Foley, MP
Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation ...... The Hon. J. F. Garrett, MP
Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services ...... The Hon. J. Hennessy, MP
Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for International Education and Minister for Corrections ...... The Hon. S. R. Herbert, MLC
Minister for Local Government, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Minister for Industrial Relations ...... The Hon. N. M. Hutchins, MP
Special Minister of State ...... The Hon. G. Jennings, MLC
Minister for Families and Children, and Minister for Youth Affairs ...... The Hon. J. Mikakos, MLC
Minister for Police and Minister for Water ...... The Hon. L. M. Neville, MP
Minister for Industry and Employment, and Minister for Resources ..... The Hon. W. M. Noonan, MP
Attorney-General and Minister for Racing ...... The Hon. M. P. Pakula, MP
Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Regional Development...... The Hon. J. L. Pulford, MLC
Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence ...... The Hon. F. Richardson, MP
Minister for Finance and Minister for Multicultural Affairs ...... The Hon. R. D. Scott, MP
Minister for Planning ...... The Hon. R. W. Wynne, MP
Cabinet Secretary ...... Ms M. Kairouz, MP
The Governor The Honourable LINDA DESSAU, AM The Lieutenant-Governor The Honourable Justice MARILYN WARREN, AC, QC
The ministry (from 20 June 2016)
Premier ...... The Hon. D. M. Andrews, MP
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, and Minister for Emergency Services (from 10 June 2016) [Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation 10 June to 20 June 2016] ...... The Hon. J. A. Merlino, MP
Treasurer ...... The Hon. T. H. Pallas, MP
Minister for Public Transport and Minister for Major Projects ...... The Hon. J. Allan, MP
Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade ...... The Hon. P. Dalidakis, MLC
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, and Minister for Suburban Development ...... The Hon. L. D’Ambrosio, MP
Minister for Roads and Road Safety, and Minister for Ports ...... The Hon. L. A. Donnellan, MP
Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Minister for Sport and Minister for Veterans ...... The Hon. J. H. Eren, MP
Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing, Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Equality and Minister for Creative Industries ...... The Hon. M. P. Foley, MP
Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services ...... The Hon. J. Hennessy, MP
Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for International Education and Minister for Corrections ...... The Hon. S. R. Herbert, MLC
Minister for Local Government, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Minister for Industrial Relations ...... The Hon. N. M. Hutchins, MP
Special Minister of State ...... The Hon. G. Jennings, MLC
Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation ...... The Hon. M. Kairouz, MP
Minister for Families and Children, and Minister for Youth Affairs ...... The Hon. J. Mikakos, MLC
Minister for Police and Minister for Water ...... The Hon. L. M. Neville, MP
Minister for Industry and Employment, and Minister for Resources ...... The Hon. W. M. Noonan, MP
Attorney-General and Minister for Racing ...... The Hon. M. P. Pakula, MP
Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Regional Development ...... The Hon. J. L. Pulford, MLC
Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence ...... The Hon. F. Richardson, MP
Minister for Finance and Minister for Multicultural Affairs ...... The Hon. R. D. Scott, MP
Minister for Planning ...... The Hon. R. W. Wynne, MP
Cabinet Secretary ...... Ms G. A. Tierney, MLC
OFFICE-HOLDERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY FIFTY-EIGHTH PARLIAMENT — FIRST SESSION
Speaker: The Hon. TELMO LANGUILLER
Deputy Speaker: Mr D. A. NARDELLA
Acting Speakers: Mr Angus, Mr Blackwood, Ms Blandthorn, Mr Carbines, Mr Crisp, Mr Dixon, Ms Edwards, Ms Halfpenny, Ms Kilkenny, Mr McCurdy, Mr McGuire, Ms McLeish, Mr Pearson, Ms Ryall, Ms Thomas, Mr Thompson, Ms Thomson, Ms Ward and Mr Watt.
Leader of the Parliamentary Labor Party and Premier: The Hon. D. M. ANDREWS Deputy Leader of the Parliamentary Labor Party and Deputy Premier: The Hon. J. A. MERLINO Leader of the Parliamentary Liberal Party and Leader of the Opposition: The Hon. M. J. GUY Deputy Leader of the Parliamentary Liberal Party and Deputy Leader of the Opposition: The Hon. D. J. HODGETT Leader of The Nationals: The Hon. P. L. WALSH Deputy Leader of The Nationals: Ms S. RYAN
Heads of parliamentary departments Assembly — Clerk of the Parliaments and Clerk of the Legislative Assembly: Mr R. W. Purdey Council — Clerk of the Legislative Council: Mr A. Young Parliamentary Services — Secretary: Mr P. Lochert
MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY FIFTY-EIGHTH PARLIAMENT — FIRST SESSION
Member District Party Member District Party Allan, Ms Jacinta Marie Bendigo East ALP McLeish, Ms Lucinda Gaye Eildon LP Andrews, Mr Daniel Michael Mulgrave ALP Merlino, Mr James Anthony Monbulk ALP Angus, Mr Neil Andrew Warwick Forest Hill LP Morris, Mr David Charles Mornington LP Asher, Ms Louise Brighton LP Mulder, Mr Terence Wynn 2 Polwarth LP Battin, Mr Bradley William Gembrook LP Napthine, Dr Denis Vincent 3 South-West Coast LP Blackwood, Mr Gary John Narracan LP Nardella, Mr Donato Antonio Melton ALP Blandthorn, Ms Elizabeth Anne Pascoe Vale ALP Neville, Ms Lisa Mary Bellarine ALP Britnell, Ms Roma 1 South-West Coast LP Noonan, Mr Wade Matthew Williamstown ALP Brooks, Mr Colin William Bundoora ALP Northe, Mr Russell John Morwell Nats Bull, Mr Joshua Michael Sunbury ALP O’Brien, Mr Daniel David 4 Gippsland South Nats Bull, Mr Timothy Owen Gippsland East Nats O’Brien, Mr Michael Anthony Malvern LP Burgess, Mr Neale Ronald Hastings LP Pakula, Mr Martin Philip Keysborough ALP Carbines, Mr Anthony Richard Ivanhoe ALP Pallas, Mr Timothy Hugh Werribee ALP Carroll, Mr Benjamin Alan Niddrie ALP Paynter, Mr Brian Francis Bass LP Clark, Mr Robert William Box Hill LP Pearson, Mr Daniel James Essendon ALP Couzens, Ms Christine Anne Geelong ALP Perera, Mr Jude Cranbourne ALP Crisp, Mr Peter Laurence Mildura Nats Pesutto, Mr John Hawthorn LP D’Ambrosio, Ms Liliana Mill Park ALP Richardson, Mr Timothy Noel Mordialloc ALP Dimopoulos, Mr Stephen Oakleigh ALP Richardson, Ms Fiona Catherine Alison Northcote ALP Dixon, Mr Martin Francis Nepean LP Riordan, Mr Richard 5 Polwarth LP Donnellan, Mr Luke Anthony Narre Warren North ALP Ryall, Ms Deanne Sharon Ringwood LP Edbrooke, Mr Paul Andrew Frankston ALP Ryan, Mr Peter Julian 6 Gippsland South Nats Edwards, Ms Janice Maree Bendigo West ALP Ryan, Ms Stephanie Maureen Euroa Nats Eren, Mr John Hamdi Lara ALP Sandell, Ms Ellen Melbourne Greens Foley, Mr Martin Peter Albert Park ALP Scott, Mr Robin David Preston ALP Fyffe, Mrs Christine Anne Evelyn LP Sheed, Ms Suzanna Shepparton Ind Garrett, Ms Jane Furneaux Brunswick ALP Smith, Mr Ryan Warrandyte LP Gidley, Mr Michael Xavier Charles Mount Waverley LP Smith, Mr Timothy Colin Kew LP Graley, Ms Judith Ann Narre Warren South ALP Southwick, Mr David James Caulfield LP Green, Ms Danielle Louise Yan Yean ALP Spence, Ms Rosalind Louise Yuroke ALP Guy, Mr Matthew Jason Bulleen LP Staikos, Mr Nicholas Bentleigh ALP Halfpenny, Ms Bronwyn Thomastown ALP Staley, Ms Louise Eileen Ripon LP Hennessy, Ms Jill Altona ALP Suleyman, Ms Natalie St Albans ALP Hibbins, Mr Samuel Peter Prahran Greens Thomas, Ms Mary-Anne Macedon ALP Hodgett, Mr David John Croydon LP Thompson, Mr Murray Hamilton Ross Sandringham LP Howard, Mr Geoffrey Kemp Buninyong ALP Thomson, Ms Marsha Rose Footscray ALP Hutchins, Ms Natalie Maree Sykes Sydenham ALP Tilley, Mr William John Benambra LP Kairouz, Ms Marlene Kororoit ALP Victoria, Ms Heidi Bayswater LP Katos, Mr Andrew South Barwon LP Wakeling, Mr Nicholas Ferntree Gully LP Kealy, Ms Emma Jayne Lowan Nats Walsh, Mr Peter Lindsay Murray Plains Nats Kilkenny, Ms Sonya Carrum ALP Ward, Ms Vicki Eltham ALP Knight, Ms Sharon Patricia Wendouree ALP Watt, Mr Graham Travis Burwood LP Languiller, Mr Telmo Ramon Tarneit ALP Wells, Mr Kimberley Arthur Rowville LP Lim, Mr Muy Hong Clarinda ALP Williams, Ms Gabrielle Dandenong ALP McCurdy, Mr Timothy Logan Ovens Valley Nats Wynne, Mr Richard William Richmond ALP
1 Elected 31 October 2015 2 Resigned 3 September 2015 3 Resigned 3 September 2015 4 Elected 14 March 2015 5 Elected 31 October 2015 6 Resigned 2 February 2015
PARTY ABBREVIATIONS ALP — Labor Party; Greens — The Greens; Ind — Independent; LP — Liberal Party; Nats — The Nationals.
Legislative Assembly committees
Privileges Committee — Ms Allan, Mr Clark, Ms D’Ambrosio, Mr Morris, Ms Neville, Ms Ryan, Ms Sandell, Mr Scott and Mr Wells.
Standing Orders Committee — The Speaker, Ms Allan, Ms Asher, Mr Brooks, Mr Clark, Mr Hibbins, Mr Hodgett, Ms Kairouz, Mr Nardella, Ms Ryan and Ms Sheed. Joint committees Accountability and Oversight Committee — (Assembly): Mr Angus, Mr Gidley, Mr Staikos and Ms Thomson. (Council): Ms Bath, Mr Purcell and Ms Symes.
Dispute Resolution Committee — (Assembly): Ms Allan, Mr Clark, Mr Merlino, Mr M. O’Brien, Mr Pakula, Ms Richardson and Mr Walsh. (Council): Mr Bourman, Mr Dalidakis, Ms Dunn, Mr Jennings and Ms Wooldridge.
Economic, Education, Jobs and Skills Committee — (Assembly): Mr Crisp, Mrs Fyffe, Mr Nardella and Ms Ryall. (Council): Mr Bourman, Mr Elasmar and Mr Melhem.
Electoral Matters Committee — (Assembly): Ms Asher, Ms Blandthorn, Mr Dixon, Mr Northe and Ms Spence. (Council): Ms Patten, Mr Somyurek.
Environment, Natural Resources and Regional Development Committee — (Assembly): Ms Halfpenny, Mr McCurdy, Mr Richardson, Mr Tilley and Ms Ward. (Council): Mr Ramsay and Mr Young.
Family and Community Development Committee — (Assembly): Ms Couzens, Mr Edbrooke, Ms Edwards, Ms Kealy and Ms McLeish. (Council): Mr Finn.
House Committee — (Assembly): The Speaker (ex officio), Mr J. Bull, Mr Crisp, Mrs Fyffe, Mr Staikos, Ms Suleyman and Mr Thompson. (Council): The President (ex officio), Mr Eideh, Ms Hartland, Ms Lovell, Mr Mulino and Mr Young.
Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission Committee — (Assembly): Mr Hibbins, Mr D. O’Brien, Mr Richardson, Ms Thomson and Mr Wells. (Council): Mr Ramsay and Ms Symes.
Law Reform, Road and Community Safety Committee — (Assembly): Mr Dixon, Mr Howard, Ms Suleyman, Mr Thompson and Mr Tilley. (Council): Mr Eideh and Ms Patten.
Public Accounts and Estimates Committee — (Assembly): Mr Dimopoulos, Mr Morris, Mr D. O’Brien, Mr Pearson, Mr T. Smith and Ms Ward. (Council): Ms Pennicuik and Ms Shing.
Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee — (Assembly): Mr J. Bull, Ms Blandthorn, Mr Dimopoulos, Ms Kilkenny and Mr Pesutto. (Council): Ms Bath and Mr Dalla-Riva.
CONTENTS
WEDNESDAY, 22 JUNE 2016 Law Reform, Road and Community Safety Committee: fuel drive-offs ...... 2723 FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AMENDMENT Electoral Matters Committee: conduct of 2014 (OFFICE OF THE VICTORIAN INFORMATION Victorian state election ...... 2724, 2725 COMMISSIONER) BILL 2016 Family and Community Development Introduction and first reading...... 2713 Committee: abuse in disability services ..... 2724, 2726 PETITIONS PRIMARY INDUSTRIES LEGISLATION Williamsons Road, Templestowe ...... 2713 AMENDMENT BILL 2016 Geelong road safety...... 2713 Second reading ...... 2727, 2740 Country Fire Authority enterprise bargaining QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE and MINISTERS agreement ...... 2713 STATEMENTS Gippsland Carers Association ...... 2713 Country Fire Authority enterprise bargaining Bus route 788 ...... 2713 agreement2730, 2731, 2732, 2733, 2734, 2735, 2736, 2737 Police resources ...... 2714 Ministers statements: Melbourne Metro rail Mentone activity centre ...... 2714 project ...... 2730, 2732 DOCUMENTS ...... 2714 Ministers statements: western distributor ...... 2733 APPROPRIATION (PARLIAMENT 2016–2017) BILL Ministers statements: employment ...... 2735 2016 Ministers statements: Safe Schools program ...... 2737 Council’s suggested amendments ...... 2714, 2779 SUSPENSION OF MEMBERS STATE TAXATION AND OTHER ACTS Minister for Roads and Road Safety ...... 2736 AMENDMENT BILL 2016 Members for Rowville and Hawthorn ...... 2737 Council’s suggested amendments ...... 2714, 2777 Member for Mornington ...... 2769 MEMBERS STATEMENTS RULINGS BY THE CHAIR Newport Lakes Primary School ...... 2714 Constituency questions ...... 2737 Hobsons Bay Community Fund ...... 2715 CONSTITUENCY QUESTIONS Renewable energy...... 2715 Malvern electorate ...... 2738 AFL women’s league ...... 2715 Essendon electorate ...... 2738 Country Fire Authority enterprise bargaining Lowan electorate ...... 2738 agreement ...... 2716, 2717, 2718, 2720, 2721 Yan Yean electorate ...... 2738 Mildura shadow cabinet meeting ...... 2716 Hastings electorate ...... 2739 Country football and netball governance Thomastown electorate ...... 2739 training ...... 2716 Sandringham electorate ...... 2739 Hopetoun Recreation Reserve ...... 2716 Broadmeadows electorate ...... 2739 Patchewollock Gun Club ...... 2716 Ringwood electorate...... 2739 Melbourne Polytechnic Greensborough campus ..... 2716 Eltham electorate ...... 2740 Regional tourism ...... 2717 Jo Cox, MP ...... 2717 LAND (REVOCATION OF RESERVATIONS — REGIONAL VICTORIA LAND) BILL 2016 Whittlesea Chinese Association ...... 2717 Second reading ...... 2744, 2772 Longerenong College ...... 2718 Vietnam marine pollution ...... 2719 MATTERS OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE Mixed martial arts ...... 2719 Country Fire Authority enterprise bargaining Jean Sutcliffe ...... 2719 agreement ...... 2751, 2769 Circolo Pensionati Italiani...... 2719 CHIEF PARLIAMENTARY COUNSEL ...... 2776 Boundary Road, North Melbourne ...... 2719 NATIONAL PARKS AND VICTORIAN Nicholas Shaw ...... 2719 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT COUNCIL Maribyrnong College ...... 2719 ACTS AMENDMENT BILL 2016 Glen Vernal ...... 2720 Second reading ...... 2781 Joel McDougall ...... 2720 BUDGET PAPERS 2016–17 ...... 2795 Frank Dignan ...... 2721 ADJOURNMENT Australian Seafood Group ...... 2721 Warrandyte police resources ...... 2803 Switchback–Victoria–Nelson roads, Chirnside Ivanhoe electorate small business ...... 2803 Park ...... 2721 Country Fire Authority enterprise bargaining Mount Buller ...... 2722 agreement ...... 2804 Laurimar Power Netball Club ...... 2722 Nillumbik tourism ...... 2804 STATEMENTS ON REPORTS Mornington Peninsula Freeway sound barriers ...... 2804 Environment, Natural Resources and Regional Montmorency power substation ...... 2805 Development Committee: Country Fire Dairy industry ...... 2805 Authority Fiskville training college ...... 2722 Carnegie Primary School ...... 2806 West Gippsland Healthcare Group ...... 2806
CONTENTS
Geelong electorate family violence services ...... 2807 Responses ...... 2807
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AMENDMENT (OFFICE OF THE VICTORIAN INFORMATION COMMISSIONER) BILL 2016
Wednesday, 22 June 2016 ASSEMBLY 2713
Wednesday, 22 June 2016 We request that the Legislative Assembly of Victoria investigate our concerns and provide an immediate and suitable resolution to this very serious and community issue. The SPEAKER (Hon. Telmo Languiller) took the chair at 9.34 a.m. and read the prayer. By Ms COUZENS (Geelong) (736 signatures).
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION Country Fire Authority enterprise bargaining AMENDMENT (OFFICE OF THE agreement VICTORIAN INFORMATION To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria: COMMISSIONER) BILL 2016 The petition of certain citizens of the state of Victoria draws Introduction and first reading to the attention of the Legislative Assembly that Premier Daniel Andrews must not diminish the powers of the Country Mr PAKULA (Attorney-General) introduced a bill Fire Authority (CFA). for an act to amend the Freedom of Information Act Volunteer firefighters have protected Victorians for more than 1982 to establish the Office of the Victorian 100 years across Victoria, and as a community we support the Information Commissioner, to amend the Privacy volunteers and send this message to Daniel Andrews and the and Data Protection Act 2014 to confer functions on Victorian Labor Party: keep your hands off the CFA. the information commissioner, and to make related By Mr NORTHE (Morwell) (212 signatures). and consequential amendments to other acts and for other purposes. Gippsland Carers Association
Read first time. To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria: PETITIONS The petition of the residents of Victoria and Gippsland draws the attention of the house to the failure of the Victorian Labor Following petitions presented to house: government to provide funding to assist Gippsland Carers Association (GCA) with administrative costs and carer support services delivered to the community. Williamsons Road, Templestowe GCA services some of the region’s most vulnerable families To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria: in need, and unless funding is provided by the state government these services will be severely impacted. In The petition of residents of the City of Manningham draws to Gippsland there are some 26 000 family carers, of whom the attention of the Legislative Assembly that children and more than half are primary carers. commuters are putting their safety at risk by crossing Williamsons Road (near the intersection with Serpells Road) The former Liberal-National coalition government provided to access public transport. funding for GCA during its term of government and had pledged to continue to fund GCA into the future. The petitioners therefore respectfully request that the Legislative Assembly of Victoria call on the state government However, the current Labor government has stated it won’t to install a pedestrian crossing on Williamsons Road, in front provide one dollar of funding support for GCA. of the Templestowe fire station, in order for pedestrians to firstly access public transport safely and secondly access The petitioners therefore request the Legislative Assembly of surrounding streets safely after disembarking from public Victoria to direct the Labor government to adopt the transport. Liberal-National coalition’s pre-election financial pledge of $120 000 to support the GCA in the work it undertakes within By Mr GUY (Bulleen) (149 signatures). the Gippsland community.
Geelong road safety By Mr NORTHE (Morwell) (8 signatures).
To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria: Bus route 788
Petition of Breakwater, St Albans Park, Whittington To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria: Surrounding Area Action Group The petition of the residents of the electorate of Nepean We, the undersigned, wish to draw the attention of the house requests the Legislative Assembly of Victoria address the to the safety and traffic management issues on the roundabout following urgent and longstanding public transport needs on and along Fellmongers, St Albans, Boundary, Townsend the Mornington Peninsula: roads in the East Geelong region. increase the 788 bus frequency closer to 20-minute intervals;
DOCUMENTS
2714 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 22 June 2016
connect this improved 788 bus service with Frankston Ordered that petition presented by honourable Hospital and Monash University, Frankston; member for Ripon be considered next day on publish the latest Mornington Peninsula bus network motion of Ms STALEY (Ripon). review in full, so our community can comment on any planned future upgrades to our local public transport Ordered that petitions presented by honourable system. member for Morwell be considered next day on motion of Mr NORTHE (Morwell). By Mr DIXON (Nepean) (250 signatures). Ordered that petition presented by honourable Police resources member for Sunbury on 21 June be considered next To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria: day on motion of Mr J. BULL (Sunbury). The petition of residents in the Ripon electorate calls on the DOCUMENTS Legislative Assembly to note that:
There are no longer any police officers stationed Tabled by Clerk: permanently in Creswick. Gene Technology Regulator, Office of — Reports and Creswick is experiencing a spate of car thefts and car quarterly reports 2000–01 to 2014–15 (69 reports) torching and other crime. Ombudsman — Investigation into Casey City Council’s We therefore call on the Daniel Andrews Labor government Special Charge Scheme for Market Lane — Ordered to be to ensure Creswick returns to having permanently stationed published. police officers, including an officer living in the existing police house. APPROPRIATION (PARLIAMENT By Ms STALEY (Ripon) (78 signatures). 2016–2017) BILL 2016 Council’s suggested amendments Mentone activity centre
To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria: Returned from Council with message relating to suggested amendments. The petition of residents of Victoria daws to the attention of the house the 2015 decision by the Victorian government to Ordered to be considered later this day. apply a discretionary height limit rather than a mandatory height limit of four storeys for the Mentone activity centre. STATE TAXATION AND OTHER ACTS This decision was made without consultation and made AMENDMENT BILL 2016 without regard to the historic features of the precinct, existing levels of development and the differentiated approach to Council’s suggested amendments Mentone activity centre planning to best protect the area and keep Mentone marvellous. Returned from Council with message relating to The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative suggested amendments. Assembly of Victoria call on the Victorian government to reverse its decision by reinstating mandatory height limits for Ordered to be considered later this day. the Mentone shopping centre. MEMBERS STATEMENTS By Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) (545 signatures). Newport Lakes Primary School
Tabled. Mr NOONAN (Minister for Industry and Ordered that petition presented by honourable Employment) — Last Friday I joined students, member for Sandringham be considered next day teachers, parents and friends of Newport Lakes Primary on motion of Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham). School for the celebration of the school’s 160th anniversary. This wonderful local primary school Ordered that petition presented by honourable within my electorate has been through five name member for Nepean be considered next day on changes and three location changes and has survived motion of Mr DIXON (Nepean). both fire and flood. My thanks go to principal David Moss, assistant principal Janet Gill, school council president Kylie Halarakis and all the teachers, students and parents who helped put together such a wonderful
MEMBERS STATEMENTS
Wednesday, 22 June 2016 ASSEMBLY 2715
event. It is the strength and resilience of the Newport 40 per cent target by 2040. Ian Myles of the Macquarie Lakes school community that has seen it through the Group wrote in a research note: last 160 years and the ongoing dedication and involvement of the teachers and parents that will see it To achieve a 25 per cent target … simply Hazelwood needs to shut … continue to thrive. All we are seeing from the government are reckless Hobsons Bay Community Fund announcements when it comes to jobs, power bills and the cost of living. We need more than spin. We need Mr NOONAN — My community also celebrated details of a real plan. another milestone last Friday, and that was the 10th year of the Hobsons Bay Community Fund. Over AFL women’s league its 10 years the fund has helped so many of our local community groups to expand and thrive. It has allowed Ms GRALEY (Narre Warren South) — Each and those groups to deliver important programs to help every year the Fountain Gate and Hampton Park youth make the City of Hobsons Bay a more harmonious, a girls football teams run out to raise funds and fairer and a more sustainable community. The fund is awareness of the devastating impact breast cancer has governed by local volunteers and is a great example of on our community. Now in its sixth year, the Breast the importance of volunteerism and the impact it can Cancer Awareness Cup was won by Fountain Gate make on a community. My thanks go to Hayden after a very hard-fought and compelling contest. Raysmith, Colleen Gates, Kerri Pyne, Helen McVay, Congratulations to coach Steve Worland, assistant Adrien Butera, Katherine Baron-Ancliffe, John Clarke, coach Anthea Felton and captain Tayla Stephens on Craig Eyes and Vedran Drakulic, whose passion and their win. hard work have made our community a much better place. I had the great pleasure of not only presenting the cup but also watching these outstanding young women Renewable energy display their footy skills. There were plenty of bumps, strong tackles, great marks and fantastic goals. Mr SOUTHWICK (Caulfield) — The Premier is Women’s football has certainly come a long way. In so desperate to distract from his war on Country Fire fact last year alone female participation soared by Authority volunteers that he is hiking up the cost of 46 per cent, with 163 new women’s footy teams living to Victorian families already struggling to make stepping out and competing. More than ends meet. His government’s renewable energy target 285 000 women now play our great game, and it has will jack up electricity bills by at least $65 million a quite rightly led to the AFL establishing the women’s year. We all agree that renewables can play an football league, which will see eight teams competing important part of future energy generation, but Victoria next year, including the mighty Western Bulldogs. needs a carefully considered transition plan. The Premier is playing a dangerous game and without a The Dogs women’s team have led from the front, proper transition plan he risks shutting down the regularly playing exhibition games. Earlier this month Latrobe Valley, losing tens of thousands of jobs, the team withstood a spirited fightback from Western jacking up power bills and harming Victorian Australia to prevail by 13 points at Etihad Stadium. households and small businesses. Many of these outstanding women are likely to be drafted by the Dogs for the inaugural season and in Victoria is part of the national renewable energy target their very own words said: scheme, and the Premier has provided zero detail on how the state will go it alone to achieve a Victorian It’s like a girl’s dream. renewable energy target of 40 per cent by 2025. How many jobs will be lost in the process? The premature I have no doubt that these daughters of the west will announcement is accelerating the uncertainty in the make us all proud, including local Cranbourne girl, Latrobe Valley, which supplies almost 90 per cent of Bianca Jakobsson. the electricity in the state and employs thousands of This wonderful opportunity has come about through the people. extraordinary work of the Western Bulldogs and our We have heard from the Macquarie Group, which has vice president, Susan Alberti, AC, who has played a suggested that the Hazelwood and Yallourn power pivotal role in making sure that girls can represent their stations would close if the Premier were to meet his clubs and don their colours with pride. As the chief executive of the AFL, Mike Fitzpatrick, said:
MEMBERS STATEMENTS
2716 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 22 June 2016
Our game is on the cusp of changing forever and changing for Patchewollock Gun Club the better. Mr CRISP — The Patchewollock Gun Club has It is time for our girls and young women to play on the merged with the golf club, and I will be attending the biggest stage of all, and I cannot wait to cheer them on. first shoot at the new facilities in Patchewollock on Go, Dogs! Go, girls! Saturday. Country Fire Authority enterprise bargaining Melbourne Polytechnic Greensborough campus agreement Mr BROOKS (Bundoora) — Greensborough Mr CRISP (Mildura) — I stand here to congratulate TAFE campus, which is so important to my local the courage and dedication of my local Country Fire community and which was shut down due to the cuts Authority brigade members in standing up to the inflicted on the TAFE sector by the Liberals and Andrews government over the enterprise bargaining Nationals, will see students return at the start of next agreement. They continue to stand willing and able to calendar year. Yes, the Andrews Labor government has defend their communities despite the onslaught of the delivered on its commitment to reopen Greensborough Andrews government and its disrespect for their TAFE campus. After working with Melbourne commitment. I urge brigades to stand together and Polytechnic to carefully analyse training needs in the stand firm and not be bullied into compromising Greensborough catchment, the government has community safety. confirmed that students will return to the campus in Mildura shadow cabinet meeting 2017, with the campus back to full operation in 2018. People in the north-eastern suburbs will not quickly Mr CRISP — History was made last week in forget the Liberals’ closure of this TAFE campus as Mildura with a joint South Australian and Victorian part of its $1.2 billion cut to TAFE over its four shadow cabinet meeting. I would like to thank my disastrous years in office. Along with the closure of colleagues for the time they spent engaging with my campuses, jobs were cut, fees were hiked up and community, and I thank the community members for courses were cut. Even specialist courses for Country the time and effort they put in to making the shadow Fire Authority firefighters were axed under the Liberals cabinet visit memorable. and The Nationals. Country football and netball governance The Andrews Labor government has reinvested in training TAFE, moving the sector’s finances out of deficit and Mr CRISP — I sat in on a governance training into surplus. We are now getting campuses like session provided by the AFL for local football and Greensborough open again. After a consultation netball clubs. The workshop I attended was well process chaired by the member for Eltham and after presented and enjoyed strong participation from local Melbourne Polytechnic considered the research, it has clubs. Saturday football and netball are still major been decided that the campus will focus on three main sporting and social events in country life. However, areas: health and community services; business and clubs do not function by themselves and require entrepreneurship; and science, technology, engineering dedicated people to run them, and their office-bearers and mathematics. The Greensborough campus will also need relevant skills to ensure their club’s future. be home to the new Banyule Tech School, which will be accessible to kids in all local schools. It will focus on Hopetoun Recreation Reserve technology and innovation, and importantly it will work closely with local businesses. Mr CRISP — In continuing to speak on the importance of Saturday sport in the Mallee, I inform the I wish to commend the member for Eltham for her house that I will be attending the opening of the work, along with the Minister for Training and Skills upgraded Hopetoun Recreation Reserve facilities on and the Minister for Education. The difference between Saturday afternoon. The recreation reserve is the home the Labor and Liberal parties could not be more stark of many sporting codes, and good facilities are vital. I when it comes to education and skills. Where the congratulate the committee for the hard work it has put Liberals cut and closed, Labor has invested and into achieving the upgrade. expanded. When the Liberals turned their back on the people of Greensborough and the north-east, Labor stood with the community, and it is now delivering an even better training presence.
MEMBERS STATEMENTS
Wednesday, 22 June 2016 ASSEMBLY 2717
Regional tourism policy from opposition. In her first speech in the House of Commons, Jo said it best when reflecting on her Ms ASHER (Brighton) — I wish to refer to a community: magazine called Tourism Excellence, which is issued by the Victoria Tourism Industry Council, dated Batley and Spen is a gathering of typically independent, no-nonsense and proud Yorkshire towns and villages … autumn 2016. On a number of occasions in this While we celebrate our diversity, what surprises me time and Parliament I have referred to the significant growth in time again as I travel around the constituency is that we are international tourism. However, there is another side to far more united and have far more in common with each other the tourism story, and it is one that the minister does not than things that divide us. talk about very often. I refer to page 6 of this This notion is something we all share in this Parliament publication. Under the heading ‘Challenges’, it states: and we all strongly support. Britain has lost a warm, Despite a strong-performing international market, we cannot wonderful and talented person. I offer my condolences dismiss the fact that domestic visitor nights and expenditure to her family and community. to regional Victoria declined by 0.5 and 1.7 per cent respectively in the year to December (compared with an Country Fire Authority enterprise bargaining increase of 5.6 per cent for Melbourne). Or that international visitor spend in regional Victoria for 2015 was only 6.7 per agreement cent of the state’s total, down from 7.5 per cent in 2014. Mr WELLS (Rowville) — This statement I urge the government to look at the importance and condemns the Andrews Labor government for its significance of domestic tourism. It has been the outrageous handling of the current Country Fire backbone of Victorian tourism for a very, very long Authority (CFA) enterprise bargaining agreement time, and most significantly an alarm bell should be (EBA) crisis, its utterly disgraceful attack on Victoria’s ringing for the government on this issue. It is the 60 000 loyal and dedicated CFA volunteers, its sacking international visitor spend in country Victoria that is of the CFA board and a minister, and its undermining sorely lacking. Only 3.5 per cent of international of the proud 70-plus year history and tradition of visitors stay overnight in country Victoria, and that is a volunteerism in the state’s fire and other emergency challenge for the minister. I urge him to grapple with services. that. The total disrespect for CFA volunteers being shown by Jo Cox, MP the Premier and his government is unacceptable, and it totally breaches the volunteers charter and its provisions Mr RICHARDSON (Mordialloc) — I want to rise in relation to consultation on policy or organisational and offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and issues affecting volunteers. The sheer bullyboy friends of the British Labour MP Jo Cox, who was arrogance of the Premier in stating last week that he had taken from this world last week in a callous and acted decisively to end the EBA dispute and that the cowardly act. In Jo Cox the more than 107 000 people dispute was now over, to the complete benefit of his who inhabit Batley and Spen in the north of England United Firefighters Union (UFU) mates and to the total had a compassionate and caring advocate who always detriment of CFA volunteers, the entire CFA looked out for the most vulnerable in society. organisation and the Victorian community, is bitterly disappointing, totally unforgivable and unbecoming of Jo made her mark on the world long before entering the a Premier of this great state. British Parliament, tirelessly working on behalf of the most vulnerable in our world during her time at Oxfam The actions of the Premier over the past few weeks, in between 2001 and 2009. That is where she met her particular in appeasing the UFU as payback for its husband, Brendan. They shared a common bond and deceit and appalling behaviour in support of state Labor purpose to give those facing persecution and suffering at the 2014 state election, should be seen for what they hope and security. In describing Jo, Max Lawson of actually are — bullying and intimidation at the highest Oxfam said: level. How hypocritical of the Premier to mislead Victorians into thinking he leads a government that Jo was a diminutive pocket rocket from the north. She was as a ball of energy, always smiling, full of new ideas, of believes in inclusion, equality and a fair go for all. idealism, of passion. Whittlesea Chinese Association Upon her election in 2015, Jo Cox was seen as a rising star of the British Parliament. She chaired the Labour Ms HALFPENNY (Thomastown) — On Saturday, Women’s Network and the All-Party Parliamentary 18 June, I had the great honour of attending the Group Friends of Syria, immediately impacting upon Whittlesea Chinese Association (WCA)
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2718 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 22 June 2016
10th anniversary celebration and book launch. The government’s own Crown counsel; and 60 000 very celebration was to commemorate the 10th anniversary passionate and proud CFA volunteers. of the Whittlesea Chinese Association, and in memory of that the association produced a book titled Walk with No-one begrudges career firefighters a pay increase, but Us Down Memory Lane — Past, present and future. It we vehemently oppose a union takeover of the CFA. is a great achievement and an interesting read, full of This EBA is unlawful and unworkable, and the Premier photos, reports of activities and local news. must take action to fix the mess he has created and treat our vital CFA volunteers with the respect they deserve. The WCA and its members contribute to the community in so many ways, and this book is just part Longerenong College of that. It illustrates the great contribution they make. They share their rich Chinese culture with events where Ms KEALY — It was fabulous to attend the recent they invite the wider community to celebrate things opening of the refurbished accommodation wing at such as the mooncake festival and Chinese New Year. Longerenong College. This $4.5 million investment by They raise funds for important causes, such as cancer, Skillinvest, the federal government and the previous and they volunteer their talents and skills to help others National-Liberal state government will ensure that throughout the community. The Whittlesea Chinese Longerenong can continue to attract Australia’s best Association members and committee are held in the agricultural students and remain the premier ag training greatest of respect within the local area, and they are a college in Australia. I commend the work of John tribute to the suburbs of the north. Congratulations to Ackland and the Skillinvest board and John Goldsmith former president Arthur Yong, immediate past and his impressive team for their tireless and passionate president Albert Yew and current president Regina efforts to make this project a reality. Leung-Hining. Country Fire Authority enterprise bargaining Country Fire Authority enterprise bargaining agreement agreement Ms KILKENNY (Carrum) — I think it is really Ms KEALY (Lowan) — The Lowan electorate is important to reflect on the tragic and personal home to 110 CFA brigades, each and every brigade consequences that flow when we do nothing to stop 100 per cent operated by volunteers. After attending an division in our communities, and indeed as leaders in emergency CFA meeting for district 17 in Horsham and our community it is incumbent upon all of us to show joining the impressive turnout of vehicles and leadership when we see that division. This past week I volunteers in Ararat, it is clear our volunteers are rightly have met with many firefighters — career and angry that the Premier has completely neglected and volunteer. They are hurting. All firefighters, career and disrespected their views and experience as firefighters. volunteer, have a single purpose: to keep our communities safe. The job they do can be dangerous, It should not be forgotten that ‘CFA’ stands for Country and danger does not discriminate. Fire Authority. It is ludicrous that the Premier is bulldozing through an enterprise bargaining agreement The division needs to stop. The Country Fire Authority (EBA) whereby Country Fire Authority volunteers will (CFA) issue has taken on a frenzy all of its own. I be controlled by a Melbourne-based union. Further, we understand that people feel passionately about the CFA; are now in a position where the Premier’s sacking then it is indeed the lifeblood of our communities, stacking of the CFA board has resulted in no volunteer particularly in rural and regional areas. That is why it is firefighters nor country representatives governing the negligent, irresponsible and a dereliction of duty for the organisation. coalition to actively exploit that passion in an almost sinister, menacing and calculated fashion to deceive The list of people who believe the Premier’s CFA EBA volunteers and the community, actively inciting them to is unlawful or unworkable continues to grow, including turn against career firefighters. The level of vitriol and his former Minister for Emergency Services — lies that have contaminated this issue is shameful and is incidentally a lawyer specialising in industrial relations to be levelled squarely at those opposite and their and discrimination law — who was willing to quit friends in Canberra. Our firefighters — indeed our rather than support the Premier’s dud deal; the community — deserve so much better than this. Victorian equal opportunity and human rights commissioner; Jack Rush, QC, counsel to the 2009 It should never have got to this. It is not all right to use Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission; the people as fodder in an election campaign. We on this side of the house do not turn our community members
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Wednesday, 22 June 2016 ASSEMBLY 2719
against each other; that is well and truly the terrain and club’s president is Giovanni Guzzardi, and he is ably specialty of the opposition. Shame on those opposite. assisted by his daughter Salvana. The lunch was well attended by around 100 Italian-Australian senior Vietnam marine pollution citizens, many from neighbouring clubs. My electorate is so fortunate to be the home of so many hardworking Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) — I place on the migrants, many of whom emigrated from Italy for a record the massive and justifiable concerns of better life in Australia. These lunches are a time for the Vietnamese-background Australian citizens and attendees to reflect on their contribution to making our members of the wider global community regarding the nation great as well as on a life well lived, and they death of millions of fish and seabirds that washed up provide me with the opportunity to acknowledge their along a 125-mile stretch of Vietnam’s central coastline. outstanding contribution to our community. It is contended at this stage that the cause of death is toxic industrial pollution. Boundary Road, North Melbourne
Further investigation is imperative on the part of the Mr PEARSON — I was delighted to meet with the government to ensure that the nation’s staple food former member for Melbourne, Jennifer Kanis, and supply and the welfare and livelihood of tens of Labor’s federal candidate for Melbourne, Sophie thousands fishermen and their families affected by this Ismail, to inspect the new traffic lights being installed crisis are not jeopardised. There is further concern that opposite the Australian Muslim Social Services Agency the dead fish could be used for the manufacture of fish in Boundary Road, North Melbourne. This project was sauce, which potentially puts at risk people not just in championed by Jen Kanis in the lead-up to the 2014 Vietnam but also in other countries. state election and was delivered by the Minister for Roads and Road Safety. This is a fantastic project I strongly support the international call to improve which will significantly improve the lives of many local environmental management to ensure the safety of residents in the electorate of Melbourne and also in the seafood products exported from Vietnam to Australia Essendon electorate. It is practical, sensible, local and to protect the marine environment for the health, life-changing infrastructure — there is great beauty in wellbeing and safety of the Vietnamese people and small things. foreign visitors. Nicholas Shaw Mixed martial arts Mr PEARSON — Last week I was delighted to Mr THOMPSON — I vigorously oppose and have Nicholas Shaw join Team Essendon for the week question the Victorian Labor government’s support of doing work experience. Nicholas, who is studying at cage fighting. The outrageous gladiatorial spectacle of Maribyrnong College, made a great contribution during Ronda Rousey being kicked and punched in the head the course of the week and was particularly interested with blood spurting from her face should not be a sport in constituency work. Nicholas has a bright future, and promoted in Victoria. Recently in Ireland there was the I have no doubt that he will fulfil his potential. reported death of a cage fighter by the name of Joao Carvalho. I call upon the government to end this Maribyrnong College barbaric sport. Mr PEARSON — Finally, I met with Nick Scott, Jean Sutcliffe the principal of Maribyrnong College, where many of my constituents send their children. I was really Mr THOMPSON — I wish to pay tribute to Jean impressed with Nick’s commitment to the school and Sutcliffe, who has reached the age of 100 and is a his focus on moving the apex of the bell curve to the constituent of the Sandringham electorate. She right through fairly straightforward concepts such as completed her nursing training at the Epworth Hospital reports being provided every six weeks to students and and spent one year in Sydney before travelling to employing a dedicated reading recovery resource as London and completing a year of neurosurgery at well as a full-time social worker. I was also taken with Queen Square. Nick’s focus on having senior students spend time in Circolo Pensionati Italiani the school’s study hall.
Mr PEARSON (Essendon) — Recently I had the good fortune to attend the Circolo Pensionati Italiani in Essendon North for its regular lunch and dance. The
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Glen Vernal Sunbury College do work experience in my office. He has done an outstanding job writing to constituents, Mr ANGUS (Forest Hill) — I was pleased to answering the phone and dealing with the media, and in recently attend the awarding of the Queen’s Scout the last sitting week he came to Parliament. Last Friday Award to Forest Hill resident Glen Vernal. I he presented me with a report about the issues he congratulate Glen on receiving this outstanding award. believes affect young people in Sunbury. He presented During the ceremony those present heard many stories fantastically well, and I undertook that I would raise of Glen’s achievements and the hard work necessary to these issues today. earn this prestigious award. Congratulations to Glen, his family and all his scout leaders and fellow scouts Joel and his peers believe that good access to public who helped him along the way. transport is highly important, as often it is their only mode of independent transport. He reminded me that Country Fire Authority enterprise bargaining young people do not get public transport only to school agreement but also on weekends to jobs, sport and other social commitments. He also highlighted the need to build the Mr ANGUS — The recent behaviour of the Metro Melbourne rail project as it will give him and his Victorian Labor government, and particularly of the peers more services and access to the university Premier, has shown that the government supports precinct in Parkville. bullying and is unfit to govern this great state. Whether it is effectively sacking a minister who showed some Joel and many of his peers hope to go to university, but principle and refused to sell out her statutory duties to if it is too expensive, it will be out of his reach. Joel the Premier and his union masters, whether it is sacking believes the determining factor in gaining a university the Country Fire Authority (CFA) board, which refused education should be your academic ability, and he to agree with the government’s grubby certainly highlighted to me the importance of making union-demanded deal, or whether it is demanding the sure that university is affordable. Joel is also concerned resignation of the Labor-appointed CEO of the CFA, about the cost of housing. He is worried that he might the entire CFA affair has shown the true colours of this not ever be able to move out of the family home. He union-run state government. It is a government totally highlighted the importance of school funding. He and indebted and beholden to the United Firefighters Union his peers want modern and vibrant schools where they (UFU). can reach their full potential.
To top it all off, to have a government minister come Joel believes the national broadband network is into this chamber during the last sitting week and state essential in the 21st century to secure the jobs of the untruths in an attempt to deliberately mislead this house future. He reminded me that the original was a shameful low point for the government. That fibre-to-the-home plan is the right plan for him. I want minister should have resigned or been sacked by the to thank Joel for his outstanding work and for his Premier, but of course this did not happen as her contribution to my office. We loved having him. pre-prepared comments were another part of the attempted deception being foisted on all Victorians by Country Fire Authority enterprise bargaining this dishonest government. agreement
The CFA affair has shown that this government is Mr RIORDAN (Polwarth) — I rise again to air the completely subservient to its union masters who helped concerns of thousands of people from across my to get Labor elected in 2014. The Premier is a puppet to Polwarth electorate about the future of the much-loved his union puppetmasters and beholden to their demands Country Fire Authority (CFA). It seems to me this rather than governing for the good of all Victorians. Andrews Labor government has no idea about the Once again I note that I am proud to stand on behalf of institution it seems quite happy to go to war with. I do the residents of Forest Hill as a member of the coalition not think this Andrews Labor government understands team and support CFA volunteers as they stand against the feeling in rural communities. I do not think it the attack on the CFA by both the UFU and the realises that generations of families have sometimes government. donated land, built sheds and fundraised for trucks. I do not think the Andrews Labor government realises that Joel McDougall country people mark their lives by major fire events: the Cressy fire in 1977, Ash Wednesday in 1983 across Mr J. BULL (Sunbury) — For the past two weeks I the Otways and Nullawarre, and the Pomborneit fire in have had the pleasure of having Joel McDougall of
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Wednesday, 22 June 2016 ASSEMBLY 2721
2009. These are life-changing events that bring people It’s about as unlikely a spot for a fish and chip shop as you’ll together and create bonds. find, but on a Friday night if you look for the crowds milling in an industrial estate in Coburg North you’ll come across some of the best fish and chips around. These bonds are not created through enterprise bargaining agreements, pay disputes, overtime rates and Nova 100 radio in 2015 voted it no. 2 of the best fish moving relocation bonuses; these are bonds created by and chip shops in Melbourne. It builds on the continued a love of community and the desire to protect what is success of the food and beverage industry across yours. So it was that I proudly joined yet another Coburg, as the community looks for ways to replace the spontaneous CFA gathering at Bannockburn last week, manufacturing sector. quickly and professionally pulled together by Golden Plains Shire Council mayor, Des Phelan, and hundreds Country Fire Authority enterprise bargaining of locals. agreement
Frank Dignan Mrs FYFFE (Evelyn) — Like many in the Evelyn electorate community, I was outraged by the Andrews Mr RIORDAN — I was honoured to attend the government’s reckless decision to sack the entire funeral of a well-respected local farmer and Country Fire Authority (CFA) board for failing to sign businessman, Frank Dignan, known as the King of the enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA), which is Woodrowvale. Frank was farewelled by his three estimated to cost Victorians anywhere between children and a strong contingent of members of local $700 million and $1.2 billion, not the $140 million that farming and business families who had dealt with and the Premier wants us to believe. This is not a fair worked with Frank over many of his 81 years. Frank negotiation when: an entire board is sacked for was an operator from another time, when hard work, defending the position of volunteer firefighters; when careful ways and pay as you go were guiding ideals. the highly contentious clauses remain intact; when there His strong opinions of local council and young blokes are currently no CFA members on the new board to that think they know everything will be sadly missed. represent the views of the volunteers; when the CFA Vale, Frank. charter that was mandated by the coalition and supported by those opposite has been completely Australian Seafood Group ignored; and when an injunction was in place that Ms BLANDTHORN (Pascoe Vale) — I rise to actually prevented the CFA from signing any EBA. The congratulate a fabulous local business on its continuing Andrews government has clearly been watching re-runs success. The Australian Seafood Group in Coburg of Dynasty, firing the board on the spot and replacing it North has been a renowned supplier of local Australian with a board that will go along with the Premier’s dirty fish for many years, and its fish and chips are certainly union pay-off. amongst the best in town. Blu, operated by Australian Switchback–Victoria–Nelson roads, Chirnside Seafood Fish and Chippery, recently opened a new 165-seat restaurant on Gaffney Street, Coburg. This Park restaurant builds on the extremely successful shop the Mrs FYFFE — In recent weeks I have been business operates in Hossack Street, Coburg North. It is contacted by a number of residents expressing growing indeed one of the most successful restaurant businesses concerns about the safety of the intersection of Victoria, in my district, and I am a regular consumer. Switchback and Nelson roads in Chirnside Park. It is a But in terms of its success, you do not need to just take high-traffic area with vehicles coming from Lilydale my word for it. In a ‘Good Food’ article of 9 February Heights College, Lilydale scout group, the Lilydale 2016 it was voted as having Melbourne’s best fish and cemetery, the Lilydale memorial crematorium, the chips. The article states: Gateway housing estate, Lilydale West Primary School, tourist traffic and the Cave Hill Industrial Park. There Despite the industrial location, no-one pulls a fish and chips are seldom sufficient breaks in the traffic, especially crowd on a Monday like the Australian Seafood Group. From during peak hour, to allow for the quick and safe tradies to families and women in heels, it’s so busy they’re passage of vehicles both onto and across Victoria Road. opening a second shop with 165 seats at the end of February … Population growth is compounding the problem. It is a dogleg intersection, and traffic lights are urgently It has indeed opened, and to great success. In 2015 it needed. was also voted in the Herald Sun as one of Melbourne’s top 10 fish and chip shops. The article said:
STATEMENTS ON REPORTS
2722 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 22 June 2016
Mount Buller P–12 and Mernda South Primary School, which will have fully operational courts suitable for netball Mr CARBINES (Ivanhoe) — On behalf of the performance, I look forward to seeing Laurimar Power Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, being successful on those new courts and on the I was pleased to open the snow season at Mount Buller weekend in its three grand finals. Go the Power! on the long weekend. Can I say that Mount Buller is the most visited alpine resort in Victoria with some Mr Scott — On a point of order, Acting Speaker, 430 000 visitors annually, 70 per cent of these during during the contribution from the member for Forest Hill the winter period for snow recreation, contributing a matter was raised that I think properly should not some $230 million in gross state product and some have been raised in members statements and should 2200 full-time-equivalent jobs, while also contributing have been dealt with by substantive motion. I ask that it some $153 million — that is, 23 per cent — to the be referred to the Speaker for review. Mansfield shire gross regional product, and it is the most financially secure and sustainable alpine resort in The ACTING SPEAKER (Mr McGuire) — Victoria. Order! I uphold the point of order. According to standing orders, it is inappropriate to impugn an MP I was pleased that the member for Eildon was able to unless by substantive motion. It is not an issue for a join me at the opening of the season, and can I say that members statement. On advice from the Clerk, I have the briefings I had from the CEO, John Huber, and the received this advice and I caution the member for board chair, Jennifer Hutchison, were very much Forest Hill and warn him not to do that again. I will appreciated. I was very impressed with the pass that statement on to the Speaker. professionalism and dedication of all the board members at Mount Buller. I was pleased to have STATEMENTS ON REPORTS briefings also with the Mount Buller Chamber of Commerce executive and also with the Mount Buller Environment, Natural Resources and Regional Ratepayers Association and the Buller Ski Lifts Development Committee: Country Fire executives. These are all critical components of the Authority Fiskville training college work that is being done at Mount Buller. Ms THOMAS (Macedon) — I rise to make a brief The water storage project at Mount Buller is a critical contribution on the report of the Environment, Natural project that was not successful in the most recent Resources and Regional Development Committee on budget. This is a project that is about securing the inquiry into the Country Fire Authority (CFA) snowmaking and also further recreation at Mount training college at Fiskville. In doing so I would like to Buller. I will be advocating to and working with the thank the committee for all its work and in particular Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change the committee chair, the member for Thomastown, for and the Minister for Regional Development to secure her determination to deliver to this house this very funding for this project from the Andrews government important report. in the future. The establishment of this inquiry was of course an Laurimar Power Netball Club election commitment. Like the member for Thomastown, I am also very proud to be a member of Ms GREEN (Yan Yean) — It was with great this Labor government, which is determined to right the pleasure I attended the junior presentations for the wrongs and tell the truth about what happened to Laurimar Power Netball Club in Doreen on Sunday. It working people in this state — I might add, to both paid is a fabulous club that has only been operating for six and volunteer workers in the CFA — so this is a really years. Ian Landy has done a fabulous job in all that important report. I also acknowledge the doggedness of time, and the club has a unique structure in having a Mick Tisbury in ensuring that this was a matter that junior committee that assists with the presentations and stayed at the forefront of the Labor Party’s attention. with advocating on behalf of junior players. There are Indeed, as I said, it was an election commitment to 277 club members at this fabulous club, and three of conduct this inquiry. those teams are in the grand finals on Saturday. I look forward to seeing them at the Diamond Creek netball I want to speak briefly about some of the findings of the stadium. inquiry. In particular I want to talk of chapter 5, which talks about the CFA organisational culture and The netball club is outgrowing its current home, and approach to health and safety. I think it is important to with the building of the new schools, Mernda Central raise these matters in the context of other debates that
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Wednesday, 22 June 2016 ASSEMBLY 2723
have been going on in the chamber this week. We ongoing way; that Victoria Police develop a guide for cannot shy away from the findings of this very the fuel industry on fuel drive-off prevention to support important parliamentary inquiry. I note that those on the the actual industry in working on that problem, which is other side of the house have been largely silent when it a major problem for it; and also that the Victorian comes to the findings of this important inquiry. We do government consider measures to assist the fuel retail not hear them in this chamber getting up and talking sector to implement prepayment systems. about what went on at Fiskville. We do not hear them getting up and speaking to the report. We do not hear On the surface the whole issue seemed to be something them reiterating some of the claims that they made that was fairly straightforward, but what happens when when they were in government such as that exposure to you have these investigations is that it obviously turns chemicals in the course of firefighting does not cause into quite a complex issue. One of the major issues was cancer. They are silent on these matters now, and I that there is no clear picture of the cost of fuel think that is a disgrace. Chapter 5 says quite clearly drive-offs, such as to what extent they are happening that: and other trends. All that basic information, which is one of the things you really need when you start an … there is still room for improvement in: how senior investigation into a matter such as this, is missing. Part management and the board respond to and manage internal of that is due to the fact that many retailers no longer criticism; and how responsibility for change at management level does not end with merely deciding on a policy — report these fuel drive-offs because police are not acting implementation of policies must be overseen to ensure they on them on a case-by-case proposition anymore. are followed throughout the whole organisation. The prepayment issue is one that is often put up as an So let us not lose sight of the fact that the Fiskville easy solution, but there was vehement opposition to inquiry points to some very important work that needs prepayment from the fuel retail industry, mainly to be done at the CFA. I am feeling very confident that because fuel is only a minor component of operators’ under the Minister for Emergency Services and the sales. They want people to come into the service commitments that he has been making and the way that stations where they have a whole range of other he has been talking about the way he wants to be the products and services available. That is the larger part minister for that organisation we will see the necessary of their income, so they were not keen about the changes take place at the CFA, which is all about prepayment method at all. protecting the health and safety of volunteer and career firefighters. One thing which is only done on a limited scale is that a group of operators, often under the same ownership, I want to finish by commending the committee for its work together in terms of collating all their own video report. I note that there are some very important footage. They share information about the recommendations that have been made. These numberplates of suspect cars or cars that have been recommendations will be considered by the involved in drive-offs in some of their other retail government, and I particularly commend outlets. They also share descriptions of people who recommendations 10, 11 and 12 to the government in have been involved in fuel drive-offs. That sharing of its consideration of this report. Once again I thank the information amongst a group of retailers has proved committee for all of its work. quite successful. It is very hard to do at scale because of the diverse nature of the industry, the diverse number Law Reform, Road and Community Safety and the diverse size of those that own and operate fuel Committee: fuel drive-offs outlets, but where it has been implemented it has worked quite well. What happens is that if a car comes Mr DIXON (Nepean) — I wish to make a few into the forecourt and a numberplate, model of car or comments regarding the investigation into fuel even a person is recognised, the pump is not activated drive-offs by the Law Reform, Road and Community by the console operator, so the person has to then come Safety Committee. It really was a very instructive in and prepay. I think that is good on a limited scale. investigation that we carried out. The key recommendations that were brought down by the In the end I think numberplate recognition technology committee are that there should be an education will be the way to go. The technology is moving quite campaign in partnership with Victoria Police, Crime quickly. Somebody noted during the inquiry that even Stoppers and obviously the fuel retail industry; that crooks have to fill up their cars with fuel. If you have Victoria Police carry out six-monthly forums with the numberplate recognition technology in every service retail industry to update it on what the trends are and station — this is thinking forward, but the cost may one what some of the possible solutions may be in an day get there — then you can keep track not just in
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terms of fuel drive-offs but in terms of a whole range of requested that we remove those non-political signs. In incidents where numberplate recognition would be very what is a blatant case of hypocrisy, the city had its helpful. As we know, the sheriff uses that extensively. I blatantly partisan signs supporting the east–west link, think fuel retail outlets may be the best places to have paid for at a cost of tens of thousands of dollars by these cameras and this system working, which may ratepayers mind you, plastered all over the electorate, bring a broader good to the community. Once again, I yet it asked us to remove my assisting signs. think the recommendations are worthwhile, but I think we still have a long way to go in terms of combating There were other problems too; it was not just finding this issue. the centre. But when people did find the early voting centre they did have to wait for very long periods of Electoral Matters Committee: conduct of 2014 time. I am glad to say that the committee supports the Victorian state election existing early voting period as, in its own words:
Ms GRALEY (Narre Warren South) — I rise to a shorter early voting time frame may lead to longer queues at early voting centres. make a contribution on the Electoral Matters Committee’s report on its inquiry into the conduct of I agree with that totally. It is clear that the demand is the 2014 Victorian state election. My contribution will there, but the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) focus on early voting. really needs to get its act together here. In the case of Hampton Park there were no toilet facilities in the VEC As the report says, 1.2 million Victorians voted early, centre. The women and the men had to go looking including 39.93 per cent of all registered voters in my around the shopping centre to find a toilet they could electorate of Narre Warren South. It is a staggeringly use. This contributed to further delays in providing high number. Over a quarter of the voters voted at the service and was not a very nice working environment early voting centre in Hampton Park, and just under for VEC workers. We had to bring our own umbrella 11 per cent submitted a postal vote. This method of for shelter because there was no shelter out the front, voting has been embraced by many Victorians and, as and we had lots of people coming up to us and having a the report says, has increased by 155 per cent since the chat, which was very nice, but they were also getting 2006 state election. It is really convenient for a lot of out of the sunshine and out of the rain as well. people who are unable to vote on election day for a lot of reasons, such as work commitments, health reasons There was quite a bit of car parking, but in this case the or travel, to go down to the early voting centre and cast biggest user of the car parking space was the Liberal that very important vote. Party candidate’s campaign trailer, which she parked outside the early voting centre. When asked to have it I am very pleased that the committee recognises that removed she decided she was going to take no notice of early voting is now an established part of the Victorian anybody and left it there. It was regularly electoral practice. You only have to walk around your double-parked in the shopping centre when parking was own electorate at the moment and you will see long at a premium. queues outside early voting centres for the federal election as well. This is a popular way of voting. I think it is very important that the VEC makes sure that people know that if they are going to vote early, the However, the report also indicates that there have been VEC will support that process with a clear indication of significant problems at our early voting centres. I spent where the centre is located, that the centre will be in a a considerable amount of time during the last facility that is good for staff, volunteers and election — during the two-week early voting period — campaigners and that we make sure that on the night we at the Narre Warren early voting centre at Hampton can see how that vote has gone. I mean, these votes are Park. It is well located in the Hampton Park shopping often very close, and we should be able to count that centre, which is regularly serviced by local bus routes. vote on the night of the election as well. But I have got to say that a lot of people had a lot of problems finding where to vote. They were ringing my Family and Community Development office to find out where it was. There was absolutely no Committee: abuse in disability services signage or advertisement of the location. Ms KEALY (Lowan) — I rise today to make a In fact we put out some signs to try to assist people to contribution on my reflections on the Inquiry into abuse find the early voting centre and, sadly I thought — we in disability services — Final Report, which was tabled were trying to help people out — the City of Casey in May 2016. This work was undertaken by the Family took offence to this. It did not appreciate it and and Community Development Committee, of which I
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am a member. From the outset I would like to thank the occurred in my electorate of Lowan. I have heard from committee for its work. I would like to particularly a number of family members in particular who are thank the staff: Dr Greg Gardiner, Dr Kelly Butler, deeply concerned that they just do not know what is Helen and Ashley. They really did a fantastic job in going to happen to their loved ones when the NDIS is assisting us to compile this report. I would like to make rolled out. I do call on the minister to improve his particular note of the individuals with a disability, their communication around the NDIS rollout, particularly in friends and family and the advocacy groups and light of his commitment that the government-operated organisations that put in a lot of time and effort in order supported residential services will be closed. to make sometimes quite moving contributions about sensitive issues that have arisen in their experience of I recently met with family members of Kathy at the working in the disability sector. Hunts Road supported accommodation home in Horsham, where Kathy was celebrating her We know that people with disability are sometimes the 60th birthday. The family members were deeply most vulnerable people in our community. We see that concerned about what the future might be for Kathy. people who rely on their carers for their day-to-day She has been in the home now for 16 years. She is activities are in a position where it is not easy for them absolutely thriving and is very, very happy. She feels to report any abuse, and there is a level of concern that safe and secure in her own home. There is a lack of if they report poor behaviour and inappropriate understanding about what will happen in the future. behaviour, that may mean that the people that they rely Will the home close? Will it go to a private operator on to live and survive will no longer be around. So who may not continue with the existing staff? And for there is this really difficult structure that we have to the staff that do a fabulous job, what will happen to work through. I would like to think that the them? Will they be working under similar conditions? recommendations that have been compiled within this Will they be made redundant? This lack of certainty is report, if adopted in full, would make a difference and certainly creating a lot of anxiety within the home and help to ensure that abuse in disability services does not particularly among the residents, the people with continue. disability, and their family members. It is extremely important that the minister take immediate action to A lot of the focus of the report is around safeguarding ensure that there is an understanding about what is individuals and around mandatory reporting and how going to happen to these people who live in this home. we share information about individuals who have worked within the disability sector who have behaved Hunts Road is just one example within my electorate; I in an inappropriate way and how we can share that with know there are many, many homes where people who other organisations to make sure that behaviour does are living in these supported residential services feel not continue and other people are not harmed. There safe and secure. They have been treated well. They do was a lot of work done on that, with references to that not understand why things should change. I do urge the and recommendations within this report, and I think minister to make sure that he takes immediate action to they are some of the most important recommendations guide people with disability and their family members and should be implemented immediately. in order to give them that security about a roof over their heads and the care that they are provided with. I There are also some recommendations around resident also ask the government to implement all choice. I found it quite confronting really to hear some recommendations contained in the report. of the submissions, where, for example, a woman who has a disability may not have a choice about her carer. Electoral Matters Committee: conduct of 2014 So if they are menstruating, maybe they have only got a Victorian state election male carer who can assist them with their hygiene activities. I think it is really inappropriate that there is Mr CARROLL (Niddrie) — I rise to speak on the no choice around that, and we need to respect people Electoral Matters Committee report on the inquiry into with disability far more than that. the conduct of the 2014 Victorian state election. I would like to begin by thanking the chair of the Something else that comes out of the report is around committee, the member for Brighton, and the deputy the national disability insurance scheme (NDIS) rollout. chair, the member for Yuroke, for their efforts, as well Of course this is currently being rolled out across the as the other committee members, including the state. My region in western Victoria is looking at the members for Pascoe Vale, Nepean and Morwell; NDIS being rolled out in October 2017. It is only Ms Patten, a member for Northern Metropolitan Region 15 months away, and we have only had 12 education in the Legislative Council; and Mr Somyurek, a sessions right across the state, none of which have
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member for South Eastern Metropolitan Region in the are counted as quickly as possible. In the Niddrie Legislative Council. electorate we had 34.37 per cent of electors cast their vote early. That represented the seventh highest rate of At the state election on 29 November 2014 I was early voting in the state and the second highest in the privileged to be returned as the state member for metropolitan area, just behind St Albans. Niddrie, but it was an even greater privilege to see a return to Labor government. I was very interested in I would like to congratulate committee members on this report because on election night Niddrie was not their outstanding work on that report. I believe it was counted as having gone into the column of ‘won’ well groundbreaking, and I support the committee’s into the evening. That was because of the high recommendation that votes that have been cast at early proportion of postal votes and pre-poll votes that had voting centres should be counted as soon as possible. I occurred in the Niddrie electorate. I was very sunburnt was one candidate waiting on election night. In a after the campaign, and the reason why was that I was packed community hall at the Buckley Park Bowls located pretty much from dawn to dusk at the Milleara Club, everyone was asking, ‘Why haven’t you come up Mall in East Keilor, which was an incredibly popular yet, Ben? Why haven’t you come up yet?’. I said, ‘My pre-poll centre. hunch is I’ve had such a high proportion of early votes that the Victorian Electoral Commission isn’t prepared What also happened was there was a redistribution, as to count Niddrie until a little bit later in the evening’. many members would be aware, before this election, Eventually you come up on the TV screen, and you are and I got a whole new suburb, Aberfeldie, in my very privileged and you are very humbled that all your electorate. The Victorian Electoral Commission wrote hard work has paid off. to every new voter informing them that they were now in the Niddrie electorate, but that did also create a little I do want to say that this report of the committee bit of a sense of confusion about when they could vote members, in particular the chair and deputy chair but and what polling booth they should go to. As part of my also all the other members, is a fantastic report. I election campaign, I also put out a brochure believe the recommendations are crucial in terms of highlighting that there was an early voting centre, and how we go forward. It would be ideal if a lot of these of the thousands of people that kept coming through, recommendations were accepted and implemented they often had my brochure in their hands. I thought the before the 2018 election. I think the work the Victorian voting process was very well done, but I do believe — Electoral Commission is doing is instrumental. Let us and I agree with the member for Brighton and other make sure that we have a very smooth-running and members that spoke prior to me — that these votes wonderful 2018 election. should be counted as soon as possible, rather than waiting and having the delay. Family and Community Development Committee: abuse in disability services I really do find that this report is quite instructive, and the committee should be congratulated. More than Ms SHEED (Shepparton) — I rise to speak on the 1.2 million Victorians cast their ballots before election final report of the inquiry into abuse in disability day at the 2014 state election. Of these, services that was tabled in this house on 26 May this 912 000 Victorians voted in person at an early voting year. I was very pleased to be a member of that centre, representing a 67 per cent increase from the committee. The committee heard from over 2010 election. There you have it; from the 2010 100 witnesses as it toured throughout regional Victoria election to the 2014 election, there was a 67 per cent and of course held hearings in Melbourne. We increase. inspected a number of sites during the tours. I would like to thank the committee secretariat, comprising I know my office on Keilor Road, Niddrie, has been Dr Greg Gardiner, Dr Kelly Butler and Helen like Bourke Street since the federal election was called Ross-Soden, for their outstanding contributions in the all those weeks ago with inquiries about where to vote. preparation of the report. In particular I would like to Many people wanted to vote at the pre-poll centre that congratulate the committee chairman, the member for we had during the state election, but that one is not Bendigo West, for her passion and commitment to this open. They have got to get in their car and go a little bit inquiry, and also the deputy chairman, the member for further. So I think it is very important that when it Eildon, for her dedication to the production of the comes to early voting centres — and we are seeing this report. trend happen, I think, right around the country, where people are wanting to vote early and get their vote Members may recall that this terrible issue of abuse of cast — we really do need to make sure that these votes disabled members of our community residing in
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disability residential care came to the fore in the Four The evidence that was received by the committee Corners program on 24 November 2014. The program overwhelmingly referred to abuse of people with highlighted failures in the system in our state in dealing disability being perpetrated by males. In these with allegations of abuse in disability services, and in circumstances, it was important that this issue be that case it was Yooralla that was the subject of the appropriately addressed. The committee therefore program. The Four Corners program looked at how a recommended that the Disability Act 2006 be amended well-respected disability service provider failed in its to provide that the gender preference of people with duty to protect those in its care. It detailed dreadful disability be recorded. In other words, their preference abuse of vulnerable people and highlighted the failure as to whether a male or female person provides their to take proper note of the warnings of whistleblowers intimate care must be recorded, and it was my very and others. strong view that in circumstances where a person is unable to make that election because of their disability a The committee was tasked with inquiring into why female support worker must be provided. abuse is not reported or acted upon and how it can be prevented. The recommendations in the report were to It was truly very saddening to hear much of the consider the interim measures necessary to strengthen evidence of abuse. Parents suffered extraordinary the disability services system in Victoria prior to the distress in their efforts to ensure safety and proper care introduction of the national disability insurance scheme for their children. A mother, Michelle, brought in a and to focus on the powers and processes required to photo of her daughter Erin to show us. As she spoke to ensure a quality and safeguarding framework. The us showing us the photo, she said, and I quote from the inquiry was wide ranging, and the report is a substantial transcript: one. We looked at the work of the disability services commissioner, and we considered complaints from She is a little girl, my little girl, who is profoundly disabled, and I would ask the committee for a brief moment to imagine many people about how reports were handled when that this little girl is your little girl, that she is your daughter, they were actually made and many other criticisms of your granddaughter, perhaps a niece, perhaps a sister — the system. A lot of recommendations have been made. because her life has great value and she is very real. Some of the important ones I think are for the mandatory reporting of abuse and around the processes The distress of parents was palpable throughout the for reporting. We looked at the disability workforce and hearings. I hope that this report will give them some made recommendations about better training and comfort, that the recommendations will be adopted by workforce selection. the government and that we will see an improvement in the standard of the way we care for vulnerable disabled An issue we considered which I took a particular people in our community. interest in was that of gender in the prevention of abuse. The committee heard evidence that women with PRIMARY INDUSTRIES LEGISLATION disability are more likely to experience abuse compared AMENDMENT BILL 2016 with men with disability. We heard that in an overview of relevant academic literature Ms Keran Howe found Second reading that overseas studies indicate that women with Debate resumed from 21 June; motion of disabilities are raped and abused at a rate at least twice Ms ALLAN (Minister for Public Transport). that of the general population of women and that 83 per cent of women with disabilities will be sexually Mr McCURDY (Ovens Valley) — I am delighted assaulted in their lifetime. to continue my contribution on the Primary Industries Legislation Amendment Bill 2016. Obviously being a Throughout the inquiry the committee also heard country member of Parliament, I have great interest in evidence about the abuse of men with disability in the primary industries. Certainly having been a dairy disability services. At the Shepparton hearings, a farmer myself, I can relate to all things farming in our mother told the committee that her son was first sector, and I take great interest in making sure that any sexually assaulted at the age of nine. He continued to be legislation that comes from this house supports all sexually assaulted by disability support workers as a farming sectors and does not make life any more young man. It was truly terrible to see the grief of this difficult than it already is. mother, who more than anything wanted to care for her son and felt that she had been unable to do so and who As you know in regard to the dairy industry, Acting had lost trust in the services available. Speaker McGuire, farmers are going through some tumultuous times at the moment, and certainly the
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opening price is not that satisfactory. The conditions whereas a domestic dog-breeding centre is obviously that they deal with in terms of Mother Nature, the registered and aboveboard, so we should not confuse Australian dollar and now the price of milk put pressure the two. If the minister continues to go down this path on them all the time, and this legislation, which the of reducing the number of breeding bitches that are opposition is not opposing, will go some way to available or allowed to be used in domestic breeding supporting our industries. establishments, then what we will find is that the black market will just grow and grow and grow. One of the areas I do want to touch on in the brief moment that I have is the part around the Wildlife Act We certainly know that banning things in the past has 1975 and the multiple changes to that act. First of all, not always worked, and reducing the number of the bill proposes a refusal of new licence applications domestic breeders will drive the black market. That is by people found guilty of an offence. This will close a where my concerns are, so I just want to put those on loophole so that the Game Management Authority can the record. Considering that, we are not opposing the refuse to grant an application for a new hunting licence bill, and I do not see too much in there that is going to to a person who has been found guilty of an offence cause any major grief to our primary industries sector, under the Wildlife Act, and I certainly strongly support which is an extremely important part of our this position. community. I commend the bill to the house.
Being on the Environment, Natural Resources and Ms GREEN (Yan Yean) — I take great pleasure in Regional Development Committee, I understand that joining the debate on the Primary Industries Legislation the new inquiry it is about to embark on relates to feral Amendment Bill 2016. The bill is somewhat of an animals on Crown land. My electorate stretches from omnibus bill that makes discrete amendments to six Cobram to Bright, and when I am up in Bright and acts to improve their administration and operation and Harrietville I seem to dodge sambar deer for half the to reduce the regulatory burden. trip home and then I dodge kangaroos for the second half of the trip. I am very lucky to get home with the car In terms of the details of the bill, the acts to be amended in one piece. The panelbeater has done very well out of include the Domestic Animals Act 1994, to extend the me over the years. moratorium on the destruction of dogs declared to be of restricted breeds from the 30 September 2016 to Certainly this legislation will support the fact that the 30 September 2017 to enable the government to Game Management Authority can decide to refuse a respond to a current parliamentary inquiry. There are grant, because what we do not need is more cowboys, also amendments to the Public Administration Act so to speak. Of course we want to get rid of feral 2004 to replace the chairperson of the Game animals, but it needs to be done in a controlled manner Management Authority (GMA) with the CEO, as the and an organised manner. If not, we end up with person with the functions of a public sector body head cowboys all over the place, we end up with carcasses, in relation to the employees of the GMA. and then what happens is that the wild dogs feed off those and they multiply, and that creates more problems The bill makes amendments to the Wildlife Act 1975 to for our community. I support the legislation because permit the Game Management Authority to refuse to getting rid of feral animals is important but it should be grant a game licence to a person found guilty of an done in an organised manner. offence under the Wildlife Act. It permits the GMA to specify a disqualification period of up to five years for I also want to just briefly touch on one of the other the holder of a cancelled licence. It permits the GMA to provisions which concerns dangerous dogs and some of conduct controlled operations in relation to hunting, the commitments that the Minister for Agriculture has taking or destroying game, and it amends the definition made in the other place. I do have concerns, and I have of a ‘punt gun’ to allow the use of approved firearms said it in this place before, about the legitimate for hunting. The bill makes the CEO of the GMA dog-breeding industries that have been targeted by responsible for reporting controlled operations to the certain groups, and the minister is either supporting or Victorian Inspectorate, and it requires that notice be certainly not trying to sway these people from the provided via the Government Gazette rather than in a criticism that they are directing at the dog-breeding newspaper for notices prohibiting, regulating or industry. It is a registered industry. controlling the taking, destroying or hunting of wildlife along with notices of emergency closure, which The minister talked about illegal puppy farms. A puppy happened earlier this year. farm is in fact an illegal operation, so we should not confuse things. A puppy farm is an illegal operation
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The bill clarifies the procedures of the Emergency of uncertain parentage. We know that she is an Closures Advisory Committee, and it includes a new American Staffordshire terrier mixed with one or two independent chairperson of that committee. It also other breeds. We rehoused her after she was very well proposes to amend the Agricultural and Veterinary cared for by the volunteers at Ararat Dog Rescue. Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1992 to repeal the Certainly Bella looks like a fairly fierce sort of Victorian Agricultural Chemicals Advisory Committee. character, but she is nothing like that at all.
The bill amends the Veterinary Practice Act 1997 to Staffies have got a bad name sometimes because of the allow the Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of way people have treated and tried to train them, but Victoria to immediately suspend a practitioner at the originally the English staffy, from which the American commencement of a preliminary investigation into a staffy is derived, was the original nanny dog. At the practitioner’s fitness to practise and aligns the time of the industrial revolution, when both parents determinations applicable to a practitioner who is found were required to work, English staffies were valued for to have engaged in unprofessional conduct of a serious their gentleness and were left to mind the children. I nature by a formal hearing panel but who has ceased to really recommend a staffy, or an amstaff like we have, be registered to the determinations applicable to a because they are really gentle. You do need to be registered practitioner. careful with how they respond to other creatures, but certainly with humans, if they are treated and trained Finally, the bill before the house amends part 2A of the well, they are the most beautiful and gentle of dogs. I Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 to allow for recommend in particular the provisions in this bill that a notice to comply to be issued to a person committing relate to that. or likely to commit an offence, regardless of whether the person is the owner of the animal, the person in While I am speaking on this section, I really want to charge of the animal or another person. It also changes commend the reform that has occurred within local the maximum duration of scientific procedures government around dog pounds. Many councils across premises licences, scientific procedures fieldwork the state really take pride in saying that they never, ever licences and specified animals breeding licences from euthanase an animal and always make every effort to three to four years. The amendments are broadly aimed rehouse them. Certainly there is a fabulous network of at improving efficiency of administration, correctly volunteers who run shelters across the state. That is allocating responsibilities, relieving the regulatory their life, whether they are running them on a full-time burden and protecting animal health and welfare. basis, providing homes or fostering dogs and companion animals that are waiting to be rehoused. We The parliamentary inquiry into regulatory arrangements know what a benefit pet ownership has. We had the for restricted breed dogs and the associated moratorium remarkable visit last sitting week of the Bondi Vet, who on their destruction fulfils a government election reiterated the health benefits of pet ownership. commitment, and the extension to the moratorium will also enable the government to implement its response. I There are amendments to the Wildlife Act 1975, and I would like to go to these amendments to the bill. Last very much commend those. I know that some in this year the Andrews government fulfilled an election place are critical of the shooting community, but I am commitment to impose the moratorium on the not one of those. We have an amazing network of destruction of restricted breed dogs, while the responsible shooting organisations in this state, and Legislative Council’s economy and infrastructure they play a very good role. I commend many of them committee undertook an inquiry into that regulatory but particularly Field and Game Australia, the Victorian framework relating to restricted breed dogs and related branch, which does remarkable work in conservation matters. This bill will amend the Domestic Animals Act across the state and in advocating responsible firearm 1994 to extend that moratorium from 30 September this ownership. Like the member for Ovens Valley, who year to next year. spoke before me, I have a lot of problems getting home to my place with the number of samba deer around the There is no doubt that the community is very concerned place, and I also had a trip to the panelbeater due to about the need to restrict dangerous dogs, but there has them. With pests like the samba deer, the responsible certainly been evidence suggesting that it should not shooting community in Victoria plays an amazing role simply be about the restriction of some dogs. I know in making sure that these pests can be controlled for the that a former head of the RSPCA, Hugh Wirth, had benefit of our environment but also for the sake of road strong views about some breeds, particularly American safety in the state. pit bulls, but there are a number of other views to the contrary. I am a dog owner who acquired a lovely dog
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In the remaining time allocated to me I will talk about Supplementary question the amendments to the Veterinary Practice Act 1997. It is a really responsible thing for government to do, Ms RYAN (Euroa) — Premier, you bullied the because Victoria has one of the highest rates of pet member for Brunswick out of her job when she tried to ownership in the world and, as the Bondi Vet told increase female firefighter representation, and you members here two weeks ago, owning pets can be a lot forced Lucinda Nolan out of her job after she opposed of fun and provide us with company, stress relief and an enterprise bargaining agreement that discriminated unconditional love, but we need to make sure that against women. In your state of equality, does equality ownership teaches children responsibility and helps only exist when women agree with you? them to develop their social and nurturing skills. We need to make sure that pets are properly cared for and Mr ANDREWS (Premier) — I thank the member receive qualified medical care, and it is important that for Euroa for her supplementary question, one that is the community has confidence in our veterinarians. about as sensible as the first question she asked. It is a This is a comprehensive omnibus bill, and I commend nonsense question, and I reject it entirely. The member it to the house. for Euroa is mistaken, wrong. The question makes no sense and no reference to reality — none whatsoever. Mr D. O’BRIEN (Gippsland South) — Briefly, before question time starts, I am also pleased to rise to Ministers statements: Melbourne Metro rail speak on the Primary Industries Legislation project Amendment Bill 2016. As previous speakers have Mr ANDREWS (Premier) — I am very pleased to outlined, this is an omnibus bill that proposes rise to update the house on a new government initiative, amendments to six acts. The amendments to the and that is of course the signing of the first major Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) contract for Australia’s most important public transport Act 1992 abolish the Victorian Agricultural Chemicals infrastructure project, the Melbourne Metro tunnel. We Advisory Committee. The bill also makes changes to are setting a cracking pace in the delivery of this critical the Veterinary Practice Act 1997, which allows some infrastructure for our city and state. I joined the changes to the way the Veterinary Practitioners Minister for Public Transport and of course the Lord Registration Board of Victoria operates to ensure that Mayor of Melbourne this morning to announce that both animals and the community are protected in the John Holland had been awarded this $320 million event of investigations. There are amendments to the contract for early works, which will start in just a few Public Administration Act 2004, to the Domestic weeks, and for major construction, which we are all Animals Act 1994 and to the Wildlife Act 1975. very excited to say will begin early in 2017. Business interrupted under sessional orders. We are well ahead of earlier timetables and certainly QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE and well ahead of some who talked about this project and never moved a shovel of dirt on it. Those works will MINISTERS STATEMENTS mean an international-style metro. So from Sunbury to Country Fire Authority enterprise bargaining Pakenham, we will have a new rail corridor, a new tunnel to make sure that trains run so frequently that no agreement timetable will be required — world-class public Ms RYAN (Euroa) — My question is to the transport for a world-class city. Whether it is the five Premier. Given that you never bothered to condemn the new station boxes or the extra track that is being laid, United Firefighters Union for its bullying of your this will transform our city and our public transport former minister, the member for Brunswick, and with system. you claiming that equality is not negotiable, why did What is more, there are 3900 jobs associated with this you bully a female minister out of her job simply wonderful project. It is fully funded, and it will be because she did not agree with you? delivered by this Labor government — fully funded, Mr ANDREWS (Premier) — I thank the member with no support from those opposite or their mates in for Euroa for her question, albeit a ridiculous question Canberra, who would rather take selfies on public that I reject entirely. That deals with the question. transport than actually build a better public transport system. It is fully funded, and those opposite do not like it because we are delivering what they could only ever talk about — action instead of words.
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Country Fire Authority enterprise bargaining changing attitudes about women because of the direct agreement link — —
Ms VICTORIA (Bayswater) — My question is to Honourable members interjecting. the Minister for Women. The equal opportunity commission and the government’s own Crown counsel, Ms RICHARDSON — Of course on a day like this Melinda Richards, both say the enterprise bargaining and with a question like that, I could point fingers agreement (EBA) your cabinet has endorsed will across the chamber, and I could call for an increase of discriminate against women. Minister, is it your policy numbers across the chamber, but that would not — — to ignore the commission and Crown counsel and to Honourable members interjecting. support an EBA that discriminates against women? The SPEAKER — Order! The minister, to continue Honourable members interjecting. in silence. I ask government members and opposition Ms RICHARDSON (Minister for Women) — I members to allow the minister to continue in silence. thank the member very much for giving me this Ms RICHARDSON — But I do not believe that it opportunity to talk about this important issue about would advance the cause of women or improve the raising the status of women in our community. It is my status of women to be talking about that issue in that first question before the house, and I do very much way. There are so many places in which each and every welcome this opportunity, because of course our one of us can maintain our rage with respect to the government has put the issue of improving the status of status of women — in workplaces, in schoolyards, in women right at the core of our business and our agenda EBAs, in all sorts — — as a government. Mr Clark — On a point of order, Speaker, the The reason we have done this is that we understand the minister has now had ample opportunity to set the intrinsic link between the status of women and attitudes context to the question. I ask you to bring her back to towards women and the rates of violence against answering the specific question about the Country Fire women. The truth is that every member of this house — Authority’s EBA. on both sides, with every Parliament and in all of the political parties, in fact — needs to maintain their rage Honourable members interjecting. with respect to this, whether it be about an enterprise bargaining agreement — — Ms Allan — On the point of order, Speaker, again I renew the point I made earlier: the question was broad Ms Victoria — On a point of order, Speaker, my and went to a range of matters around government question was very specific, and it was about the EBA policy, and again I think the minister is presenting that and the United Firefighters Union (UFU). I would ask information to the house quite well. If those opposite do you to bring the minister back to answering the not like the answer, that is not enough of a reason to question that was asked of her. take a point of order.
Ms Allan — On the point of order, Speaker, if I Ms Victoria — On the point of order, Speaker, I recall the question correctly, the question to the was very specific in my question, asking about the Minister for Women was about government policy and equal opportunity commission and the government’s asking her to reflect on government policy. I think she own Crown counsel’s advice being dismissed. It was was doing a sterling job presenting that government not broad; it was very narrow in its scope. policy to the house, and I ask that you rule the point of order out of order. The SPEAKER — Order! I ask the minister to come back to answering the question. The SPEAKER — Order! There is no point of order at this point. The minister, to continue. Ms RICHARDSON — I know that this issue does raise passions across the chamber, but the truth is that Ms RICHARDSON — Whether we are talking each and every one of us has a role to play, and with about an EBA, whether we are talking about a respect to any advice that the government receives from schoolyard, whether we are talking about a business or the equal opportunity commission or from anybody whether we are talking about the private sector or the engaged in this debate, rest assured that we will not take public sector, every single member of this house — in one step backwards when it comes to addressing the fact, every single member of the community — has a role to play in improving the status of women and in
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status of women and addressing those attitudes that The SPEAKER — Order! The Leader of the House drive the rates of violence — — will resume her seat. There is no point of order. The minister, to continue. Honourable members interjecting. Ms RICHARDSON — Both I, as Minister for The SPEAKER — Order! The Chair is unable to Women, and the Premier, and in fact every member of hear the minister. I request silence from all members. our government, support the advance of women and The minister, to continue in silence. improvements in the status of women. Whether they are working in fire services, whether they are working in Ms RICHARDSON — I would like to assure every private sector or the public sector, we need to change single member of this house that our government will the attitudes towards women and drive down the rates not take one step backwards with respect to addressing of violence against them. the status of women or those attitudes towards women that drive the rates of violence against women. Ministers statements: Melbourne Metro rail Wherever advice is received to secure and advance the project status of women, we will take steps to ensure that we do just that. Ms ALLAN (Minister for Public Transport) — I am very pleased to advise the house of a new initiative by Supplementary question the Andrews Labor government. We are getting shovels Ms VICTORIA (Bayswater) — The CFA has been in the ground soon on the Melbourne Metro rail tunnel at the Fair Work Commission trying to get the UFU to project. The additional new information that I am agree to EBA changes that will support more women to pleased to provide is that as part of the metro tunnel become firefighters. Minister, with your Premier saying major works package that was announced this morning that equality is not negotiable, is it your policy to back by the Premier and me, there will be 85 000 cubic more women in the CFA, or do you back the UFU? metres of soil and material removed from the two station sites at the north and the south of the city. That Ms RICHARDSON (Minister for Women) — I is the equivalent of 34 Olympic-sized swimming pools thank the member for her supplementary question. worth of material. It is material that was never However, I would say this: with respect to any contemplated being moved by those opposite as they opportunity that we see to advance the cause of women, left this project on the shelf and then knocked it off we will not take a backward step. I would encourage all altogether. This work will be starting next year. members on both sides of the house to engage in this debate, because whether it comes to fire services, In 2017 we will see this major construction work whether it comes to the private sector or whether it starting on our important public transport infrastructure comes to the public sector there is an enormous project — and indeed there will be work starting sooner challenge before us. than that. There will be important service relocation happening in just a few weeks time. In 18 months the Ms Victoria — On a point of order, Speaker, again I Andrews Labor government has moved quickly to get would ask you to bring the minister back to answering this major project underway. But we have done some the question that she was asked. It was very specific. more analysis. I am pleased to advise the house of Does she back the CFA or does she back the Premier analysis at a national level about people who see the and the UFU? importance of this major infrastructure project and the jobs it creates. We have seen at a national level that Ms Allan — On the point of order, Speaker, the there is one political party that has promised 38 times minister was very clearly and directly answering the the amount of support to this project than some others. question that was asked. Again the question went to There are some in the Liberal Party — — references about government policy and the position of the Premier and the minister, and the minister is quite Honourable members interjecting. perfectly and adequately answering that question. What we do know is that there will not be another question The SPEAKER — Order! The Chair must be able asked by a female shadow frontbencher because they to continue to hear the minister when the minister only have two. So this will be the last question from makes a ministers statement. The minister, in silence. female shadow frontbenchers. Mr Clark — On a point of order, Speaker, the Honourable members interjecting. minister is debating the issue. I ask you to bring her back to compliance with sessional orders.
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Ms ALLAN — On the point of order, Speaker, their workforce. Whether it was ambulance, nurses, under the sessional orders I am required to provide new teachers, there were so many disputes and never a information. I am providing new information now on resolution. government action. I am providing information on an analysis that has been done, comparing federal election Mr R. Smith — On a point of order, Speaker, the commitments to the metro tunnel project, and I would question was very narrow. It was simply whether the be very keen to continue to provide that new Premier would allow the costings to be sent to the information to the house. Auditor-General or not. He should answer that question. The SPEAKER — Order! The minister will now come back to continuing her ministers statement. Honourable members interjecting.
Ms ALLAN — This is Australia’s most important The SPEAKER — Order! The Premier, to public transport infrastructure project, and those of us continue. There is no point of order at this stage. on this side will take a $380 million commitment and the leadership of Bill Shorten and federal Labor over Mr ANDREWS — As far as information available small change and selfies any day of the week. We want to the Auditor-General is concerned, I would simply to see shovels not selfie sticks when it comes to the inform the questioner and all honourable members that metro tunnel project. the Auditor-General is independent. The Auditor-General can seek whatever documents he sees Country Fire Authority enterprise bargaining fit to seek, and the government will fully cooperate with agreement any and all audits conducted by the Auditor-General.
Ms BRITNELL (South-West Coast) — My Ministers statements: western distributor question is to the Premier. Sacked Country Fire Mr DONNELLAN (Minister for Roads and Road Authority (CFA) chair, John Peberdy, says the Safety) — I rise to update the house on a new milestone enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA) endorsed by reached in delivering the Andrews government’s your cabinet will cost between $600 million and western distributor project. Yesterday I announced that $700 million over the next four years. Premier, can you a world-class field of construction firms have been guarantee that the total cost of this EBA will not exceed short-listed to build Melbourne’s much-needed second $160 million over four years, as your government has river crossing. Three consortia have been chosen to claimed? tender for the design and construction of the western Mr ANDREWS (Premier) — I thank the member distributor, which will slash congestion and take for South-West Coast for her question. The answer to thousands of trucks off the inner city streets of the west. her question is yes. Three consortia were selected and are as follows: John Holland and CPB Contractors; Lendlease Engineering Supplementary question and Bouygues Construction; and an international consortium of Salini Impregilo, Fluor Australia and Ms BRITNELL (South-West Coast) — Premier, Lane Worldwide Infrastructure. given the wild disparity in the cost estimates for this EBA, will you agree to provide all of Treasury’s These world-class constructors will prepare fully costed costings, together with the CFA costings, to the designs for the western distributor as well as innovative Auditor-General so that all Victorians can see the true design and construction methods that will ensure the cost of your deal with Peter Marshall? best outcome for motorists and the community. A reference design is being developed which will take Mr ANDREWS (Premier) — I thank the member into account community feedback after extensive for South-West Coast for her question. She is right to consultation. say that there has been a wild disparity in cost estimates. I think the person she referenced earlier, at We are very much getting on with the job of delivering one moment he was saying it was a $1.2 billion cost these vital projects. Unlike those opposite — who sat and then it was a $600 million cost. With the greatest still for four years; who could have been champions but respect to him and to the questioner, the government did nothing — we are getting on with it. We could gets its costings advice from the Department of actually deliver. If you look at recent figures coming Treasury and Finance. That is who provides the advice. out of state Treasury and the like, we have gross state It was not often called to provide that advice to those final demand at 3.2 per cent and economic growth opposite because they never reached agreement with estimated by CommSec at 3.2 per cent — the best in
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the country. But there is only one thing holding us will prejudice the safety of country Victorians. I think back — that is, the paucity of federal government the entire community is entitled to a direct answer to investment in infrastructure. It is still sitting at 9 per that question. I ask you to ask the Premier to do so. cent of total infrastructure spend in the whole of the country. Instead of delivering money to projects with The SPEAKER — Order! The Premier can make business cases of 0.45, you can come to Victoria, you comments in passing. The Chair regards that to be the can get bang for your buck and you can get benefit-cost case now. The Chair now requests that the Premier ratios of 1.3 per cent and actually grow the total come back to the question. Australian economy very well. Mr ANDREWS — There was additional funding in Country Fire Authority enterprise bargaining last year’s budget and there is additional funding in this agreement years budget. We have been dealing with the mess at Fiskville and responding in full to the Hazelwood mine Ms McLEISH (Eildon) — My question is to the fire inquiry reopened by our government, because Premier. My electorate is one of the most fire-prone many matters were left unresolved. As far as industrial areas in the world and suffered horrendously on Black agreements for the future are concerned, they are about Saturday. This week the independent chair of the protecting the community, as this government is, as Country Fire Authority (CFA), John Peberdy — whom every member of the Country Fire Authority is, as you sacked — said that the enterprise bargaining every firefighter whether they be volunteer or career is agreement (EBA) is potentially dangerous. Premier, fundamentally committed to doing. Each and every one why are you ignoring expert advice and putting at risk of them, volunteer or career — and not just in the fire the safety of country communities simply to ram services but in our ambulance service, Victoria Police through an EBA? members, members of the Red Cross, members of the State Emergency Service — all of them, will be Mr ANDREWS (Premier) — I thank the member properly supported, not with political games but with for Eildon for her question. I spent a lot of time in real action and an agreement and a way forward, communities affected in the local member’s because we are more concerned about firefighters than constituency in the aftermath of Black Saturday and we are about fundraising, which is not something those many, many times since. The healing, the rebuilding, opposite could ever lay claim to. the process of support was not a short one, and in many respects it is still ongoing, and I would not want to Supplementary question think that anybody would seek to make a political point out of that. Surely no-one would do that. From our Ms McLEISH (Eildon) — Volunteer firefighters government that support will be consistent and long and the former Country Fire Authority (CFA) chair are lasting for those communities and any community warning you and your government that this enterprise affected by fire — whether it be the Indigo Valley, bargaining agreement is a risk to safety. Ian Martin where I was earlier this year, whether it be Wye River, from CFA district 22 in Shepparton, Lance King from where I was over Christmas, or inevitably — sadly, district 27 in Gippsland and Eric Collier from district 8 tragically, but inevitably — those communities that we are just a few of those who have publicly spoken out will almost certainly have to visit in the next long, hot, about the dangers this enterprise bargaining agreement dry and dangerous summer and fire season that we will will create. Premier, apart from Peter Marshall and the confront. United Firefighters Union, who has advised you that it will be better for public safety to go against the Honourable members interjecting. bushfires royal commission recommendation and create a dual chain of command on the fireground? Mr ANDREWS — In terms of reckless decisions, in terms of danger, I do not think cutting funding to the Mr ANDREWS (Premier) — I thank the member CFA makes anyone safer. I do not think thumbing your for Eildon for her question. I am not sure if she cited a nose at the entire international scientific community specific recommendation from the royal commission. and saying, ‘We don’t reckon there is a link between There were many. One of them, and a submission made firefighting and some forms of cancer’, I do not think by the Country Fire Authority, was a call for additional that is too safe. career firefighters, and that is the commitment that we took to the election, and that is the commitment that we Mr Clark — On a point of order, Speaker, this was are delivering that we made the — — a very specific question about whether the enterprise bargaining agreement the Premier is pushing through Honourable members interjecting.
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Mr ANDREWS — Listen, and this is a novel everyone — can see value in this, but sadly that is not concept for those opposite, you make a commitment the case. It is disappointing to see that this critical and then you deliver it — 350 extra CFA project is being hijacked by the opposition in the other firefighters — — place. It simply does not care about workers and jobs, and it stands in the way while we want to get on with Ms McLeish — On a point of order, Speaker, this these projects. question was specifically about creation of a dual chain of command on the fireground, and I ask you to bring Mr Clark — On a point of order, Speaker, the the Premier back to it. minister is now debating the issue. If he wants a debate on it, he should move a motion accordingly, otherwise I The SPEAKER — Order! The Chair does not ask you to bring him back to compliance with sessional uphold the point of order. The Premier, to continue. orders.
Mr ANDREWS — The fact of the matter is, I am The SPEAKER — Order! I ask the minister to not sure exactly what the question was about — it come back to making a ministers statement. The seems to have changed between the question and the minister, to continue. point of order. The question referred to the Black Saturday royal commission. This agreement and our Mr NOONAN — On jobs we will not be stopped, government’s policy and approach in word and in deed and it is time that those opposite got on board or got out is consistent with that royal commission’s of the way, because we are about jobs and we are about recommendations and an overriding, an absolutely clear helping young people. responsibility to invest, to keep our promises and make Victorians safe — and that is what we are doing. Honourable members interjecting.
Ministers statements: employment Country Fire Authority enterprise bargaining agreement Mr NOONAN (Minister for Industry and Employment) — I rise to outline new achievements in Ms STALEY (Ripon) — My question is to the delivering jobs for the removal of nine of our most Premier. The Westmere fire brigades group is a group congested level crossings between Caulfield and of 19 fire brigades that covers an area of 1 million Dandenong. With over 2000 jobs being created by the acres, with 1000 volunteer firefighters and removal of these crossings, I am exceptionally pleased 400 privately owned fire tankers. These people are the to inform the house that today already 600 staff have front line against fires in the Grampians. On Monday been inducted on this project. I am also exceptionally they unanimously declared no confidence in you and pleased to inform the house that within the 600 staff, your new minister because you are refusing to listen to 8 are apprentices, 4 are cadets and 7 are trainees. These their concerns. Premier, you keep saying you have are vitally important opportunities for young people to ended this dispute, but is it not a fact that you have get a start in these major projects. ended a dispute with the United Firefighters Union (UFU) but at the expense of the respect and trust of I am highlighting this to the house because 60 000 Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteers? apprenticeship completions dropped from 45 400 in 2010 to 34 300 in 2014, and during that same period, Mr ANDREWS (Premier) — I thank the member apprenticeship commencements also dropped from for Ripon for her question. The answer is no. What I 85 600 in 2010 to 48 100 in 2014. Furthermore, I am can say, though, beyond that very straightforward also very pleased to update the house on progress being answer to her question, is that we increased funding in made towards achieving our target of 2.5 per cent of the last year’s budget and we increased funding and workforce on this project being undertaken by support in this year’s budget. What does that look like Aboriginal Victorians. Already six Aboriginal and what does that mean? It means 70 additional trucks Victorians have been employed to work on this project, for CFA volunteer brigades — it sure beats cutting their and we are confident that we will lift this number budget — a rebuild of a number of important stations, a considerably. number of important stations rebuilt under this government — — We know that sometimes all that is needed is an opportunity — an opportunity for a young person to get Ms Staley — On a point of order, Speaker, the their first chance or for a retrenched worker to be Premier is debating the question, and I ask you to bring re-skilled. I know that everyone in the house — him back to answering it.
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The SPEAKER — Order! The Chair does not think the challenge for the member for Ripon and all uphold the point of order. The Premier, to continue. those opposite is: will they commit to return every cent raised to the CFA? It is the least they could do, having Mr ANDREWS — It means additional funding to cut the CFA’s budget when they were last in respond to the mess at Fiskville — the dangerous, government. That would be a sham, Speaker — — potentially deadly mess at Fiskville. We had to deal with that matter because others had refused to deal with Honourable members interjecting. that matter. It was a bit like Hazelwood. We had to reopen that mine fire inquiry because others had The SPEAKER — Order! The Minister for Roads refused to deal with it appropriately. Road Safety and the Minister for Industry and Employment are warned. The Leader of The Nationals In terms of many of the brigades certainly, perhaps all is entitled to silence when making a point of order. of the brigades that the member has referenced, they are not integrated brigades. They will be unaffected by Mr Walsh — On a point of order, Speaker, on the additional firefighters being employed in integrated issue of relevance, the question was very specifically brigades. If the member is asking me to apologise for about what opportunities volunteers will have to change turning out more firefighters to dangerous fires, well what is a disastrous EBA to actually support them. I no, I will not apologise for that. That is a commitment would ask you to bring the Premier back to answering we made and one we are honouring. that question to actually show some respect to the volunteers here in Victoria rather than just slagging off This agreement will have no impact, no negative at them. impact and perhaps only positive impacts, on the CFA as we bring about the cultural change, the Mr Donnellan interjected. organisational change, that the human rights and equal opportunity commission calls for, the fire services Questions and statements interrupted. review calls for and brigades across this state call for — more resources, stronger support, being able to be SUSPENSION OF MEMBER focused on the fire season that is coming rather than on Minister for Roads and Road Safety an industrial dispute, spiteful and nasty and nearly 1300 days long, given to us — gifted in one of the great The SPEAKER — Order! The Minister for Roads acts of generosity, one of many — by the former failed and Road Safety will withdraw from the house for the government. This was inherited by us, but it will be period of 1 hour. ended and resolved by us as well in the interests of a safer community. Minister for Roads and Road Safety withdrew from chamber. Just as last year we invested in better fire services, just as this year we invested in better fire services, the same QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE and will be true of next year and the year after that. The MINISTERS STATEMENTS member for Ripon can be assured that, rather than talk, we will actually deliver, something she would be at best Country Fire Authority enterprise bargaining unfamiliar with. agreement
Supplementary question Supplementary question
Ms STALEY (Ripon) — Premier, yesterday you Questions and statements resumed. said that there is still a role for consultation with brigades like the Westmere group, but given cabinet has The SPEAKER — Order! The Chair upholds the endorsed the enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA) point of order. The Premier to come back to answering and you are claiming the dispute is now ended, what the question. changes can volunteers still make to what is in or out of the EBA, or is your promise of further consultation just Mr ANDREWS (Premier) — Speaker, I thank you a sham? for your guidance. I am pleased to be able to update the house and confirm for the house that just a few Mr ANDREWS (Premier) — With the greatest of moments ago in respect of court action the CFA board respect to the member for Ripon, I would have thought and Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria have reached a sham was when you set up a website pretending to agreement to continue consultation — — care about firefighters but it is actually a fundraiser. I
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Honourable members interjecting. However, we have not won the battle against homophobia. The tragic events of recent times are a Mr ANDREWS — Well, now consultation is a bad reminder that we cannot take a backward step in thing! tackling hate. Teachers and students need to be equipped with the materials to stand up to homophobia. Honourable members interjecting. That is why we have committed to these additional Questions and statements interrupted. funds. For six years, across the country and across governments, there was broad support for the program. SUSPENSION OF MEMBERS I quote: Our support for Safe Schools Coalition Victoria is an Members for Rowville and Hawthorn important step in ensuring school communities have the resources and confidence to challenge homophobia and The SPEAKER — Order! The member for respect diversity. Rowville and the member for Hawthorn will withdraw from this house for the period of 1 hour. Those are the words — now he has left the chamber — of the former Liberal education minister, the member Honourable members for Rowville and Hawthorn for Nepean. And he could not be more right. withdrew from chamber. However, I wish I could advise the house that there was QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE and still bipartisan support for rolling out this vital MINISTERS STATEMENTS anti-bullying program in our schools. Regrettably, though the Leader of the Opposition has announced his Country Fire Authority enterprise bargaining eagerness to abolish the Safe Schools program. Respect agreement should not be an elective in Victorian schools, and under the Andrews government it will not be. Supplementary question The SPEAKER — Order! The time for questions Questions and statements resumed. without notice and ministers statements has expired. Mr ANDREWS (Premier) — So apparently RULINGS BY THE CHAIR consultation is a bad thing now. There are some who would like this to go on and on and on and use it as a Constituency questions fundraiser and a political football. The government will have none of that. The SPEAKER — Order! On 9 June the member for Burwood took a point of order about the The SPEAKER — Order! The Premier’s time has constituency question asked by the member for Carrum now expired. on 8 June. The member’s point of order centred on whether the matter was a constituency issue, noting that Ministers statements: Safe Schools program a question on a similar topic had been ruled out of order as the previous question had not been related to that Mr MERLINO (Minister for Education) — I rise to member’s electorate. detail a new initiative of the Andrews Labor government. This week I have given approval for my Having reviewed the member for Carrum’s question, I department to provide the $300 000 shortfall resulting do not uphold the point of order. The member advised from Malcom Turnbull’s cowardly cave-in to the house in asking her question that she had been right-wing extremists regarding the Safe Schools contacted by principals, teachers and parents, and I take program. I am also pleased to inform the house that that to mean people in her electorate. In fact the more than half of government secondary schools in member did that twice. The member could, however, Victoria have now signed up to the program. In our have been clearer about this, and I ask all members to schools today Safe Schools is saving lives, and that is make sure their constituency questions relate very why we are investing this further $300 000. We know clearly to local electorate matters. that 75 per cent of same-sex-attracted young people are bullied and that the vast majority of this bullying occurs CONSTITUENCY QUESTIONS in our schools. We know that same-sex-attracted young people are six times more likely to attempt suicide. Mr Northe — On a point of order, Deputy Speaker, I just wish to raise for your attention a point of order
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with respect to a question on notice that I put to the Agriculture in the other place. Part of the state district Minister for Public Transport on 3 May with respect to of Essendon’s western boundary is the mighty the sky rail project and what impact that might have on Maribyrnong River. Improving the health and quality of Gippsland V/Line services. I would ask that you the Maribyrnong River is of enormous interest to my highlight that to the minister as soon as possible so I community. What is the latest information on plans to can provide the relevant information back to my stock the Maribyrnong River with estuary perch? community. Lowan electorate The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! I will refer that matter to the Speaker to follow through on. Ms KEALY (Lowan) — (Question 7673) My constituency question is to the Minister for Roads and Ms McLeish — On a point of order, Deputy Road Safety. How will the minister protect small Speaker, last sitting I raised a point of order with regard businesses in the Lowan electorate from a proposed to two unanswered questions on notice to the Minister VicRoads amendment to registration requirements for for Roads and Road Safety, one of which is now four new light vehicles? On 10 June 2016 VicRoads issued a months old. It related to vehicle movements near newsletter with limited circulation which outlined schools. Now, the minister called out across the changes to registration for cab chassis vehicles fitted chamber, ‘I do real work; I don’t do work on stunts’. I with a non-manufacturer-supplied tray, with almost do not regard questions on notice relating to vehicle immediate effect. movements near schools to be a stunt. I have very little confidence that he intends to actually answer those The implication of these registration changes is that all questions I have put. I would ask you, Deputy Speaker, third-party manufactured and fitted trays for cab chassis if you could please chase those up so that I do get the utes have to have a vehicle assessment signatory responses that my constituency deserves. scheme (VASS) certification. There are no local VASS certifiers in Lowan, so a tray manufacturing business The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! I will pass such as McErvale Steel Construction in Hamilton that on to the Speaker to follow through with. would have to pay a VASS certifier to travel from Melbourne to certify every tray it produces, at an Malvern electorate additional cost of up to $1300 per tray. Further, local car dealerships would have to take every new cab Mr M. O’BRIEN (Malvern) — (Question 7671) chassis with a non-manufacturer tray to Warrnambool My question is to the Minister for Police. Recent Crime to be registered. This is cost prohibitive and unfairly Statistics Agency data records that my Malvern discriminates against small businesses in country electorate has suffered a 10 per cent increase in Victoria. offences in the last 12 months. This includes a number of aggravated burglaries in which armed offenders have I therefore ask the minister to provide information as to attacked families in their homes in the dead of night. In how the government will protect small businesses in the the last 48 hours two violent carjackings in Malvern Lowan electorate that will be significantly impacted by and Malvern East have heightened community the proposed VicRoads amendment to registration concerns about rising crime. requirements for new light vehicles modified before initial registration. In this environment my constituents are worried that the Malvern police station, which currently operates Yan Yean electorate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, will have its hours cut under Labor and be closed when the community needs Ms GREEN (Yan Yean) — (Question 7674) My it open. Today the police association secretary, Ron constituency question is to the Minister for Planning. I Iddles, told 3AW that there have been night-time refer to two planning scheme amendments prepared by closures at the Malvern police station in the last six the Shire of Nillumbik: amendments C81 and C101. weeks. So I ask: will the Minister for Police rule out What is the current status of these two amendments? any cuts to the opening hours of Malvern police station and guarantee it will remain open 24 hours a day to protect the people of my electorate?
Essendon electorate
Mr PEARSON (Essendon) — (Question 7672) My constituency question is directed to the Minister for
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Hastings electorate and no longer present on the main concourse while works are being undertaken? Mr BURGESS (Hastings) — (Question 7675) My question is to the Minister for Public Transport. Last Broadmeadows electorate month the Andrews government announced that the Stony Point railway line in my electorate will be closed Mr McGUIRE (Broadmeadows) — from 25 June to 31 July 2016 and the Frankston line (Question 7678) My constituency question is to the will be closed from 24 June until 31 July 2016, between Minister for Youth Affairs. Anglicare Victoria is Caulfield and Moorabbin, to allow for the removal of proposing to develop a centre to help connect three level crossings on the Frankston line and that bus disconnected youth in Broadmeadows, where the services will replace trains on those lines. convergence of coalition governments, state and federal, left unemployment equal to the rate in Greece In a media release of 5 May the Acting Premier and the and youth unemployment at more than 40 per cent. The public transport minister announced a ‘37-day Anglicare proposal would link opportunities for young construction blitz’ to remove the three crossings and people to attain a range of hands-on skills for jobs in said that not a single day would be wasted in doing so. I building, construction and creative industries and ask the minister: will construction works on the deliver sport and recreation facilities. The removal of these level crossings continue seven days a redevelopment of the old Ericcson building would week, day and night, during the 37-day construction provide access to social enterprises, combining them blitz to help minimise disruption to residents and small with basketball courts and recreational facilities based businesses along the Frankston line so that the on successful models such as The Shed Skatepark in passenger service on the Stony Point line can return to Cranbourne and the RampFest Indoor Skate Park in normal sooner rather than later? Braybrook. I ask the minister: what is the latest information concerning the available support to assist Thomastown electorate Anglicare Victoria with this proposal for Broadmeadows? Ms HALFPENNY (Thomastown) — (Question 7676) I have a question for the Minister for Ringwood electorate Education. I ask for information on the outcome of applications for funding under the Andrews Labor Ms RYALL (Ringwood) — (Question 7679) My government’s capital funding program for constituency question is to the Minister for Public non-government schools. The St Mary of the Cross Transport and relates to residents living parallel to the Mackillop Catholic Parish Primary School in the works being done at the Heatherdale level crossing growth area of north Epping has applied under this fund removal on Buxton Road in Mitcham. One resident to enable the construction of new learning areas and reports choosing the location to live because of the other important learning spaces. There is a high need green, leafy, mature tree-lined feel of the street. They for school places in the area — for example, the school now describe the area as having been devastated by tree has an enrolment of 425 students, and the nearby state removals. Instead of coming home to their pocket of school has over 1400 children enrolled. New learning greenery, they now face full views of graffitied fences spaces for all schools are absolutely vital in this area, and no trees. One resident had his house valued before and they are desperately needed. the works and recently, after the tree removal. He reports that the agent agreed that prospective buyers Sandringham electorate will be significantly reduced in number and that subsequently the value of his house has not risen in line Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) — with the rest of the area. (Question 7677) My constituency question is directed to the Minister for Public Transport. It arises in the My constituent would now like to know how residents context of a bayside resident who recently observed a will be compensated for the loss of value of homes railway commuter, a mother with young children, directly affected and what remediation process will struggling on platform 13 on the Sandringham line beautify the area again with greenery and have privacy because the toilet facilities in the main concourse were restored. My question to the Minister for Public closed and there was a lack of any other available Transport is: will she advise and show my constituents facilities. My question is: is the minister able to redress in Buxton Street how their street will be remediated to the circumstance so that young mothers in need are not beautify it and restore the greenery and their house placed in a position of difficulty when seeking to access values? toilet facilities, which are not present on platform 13
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Eltham electorate gross regional product from hunting. Specifically in my electorate of Gippsland South, the Shire of Wellington, Ms WARD (Eltham) — (Question 7680) My with a total expenditure on hunting activity of question is for the Minister of Police. Community $25.8 million, was the biggest outside Melbourne and safety and crime prevention across my electorate are the second in the state. Hunting is a significant area of important policy areas. I ask the minister: what support economic and obviously cultural and recreational exists through government initiatives to improve safety activity in my electorate, and I strongly support and reduce crime in my local community and what responsible hunting and the good things that come with anomalies may exist behind the recent statistic it from social, community and economic perspectives. changes? I note that the Shire of Nillumbik, a vibrant, friendly community, is the safest non-rural local Turning to the bill, there are some changes to the government area in greater Melbourne. However, there process for wetland closures and reopenings which is some concern in the community around the recent remove the requirement for an advertisement to be crime statistics for the area. I note that factors in the placed in a newspaper. That is not opposed by the increase appear to be due to a change in the coalition, given the changing nature of technology and methodology of collating crime statistics and that often obviously the changing nature of some of the increases are driven by the recording of multiple decision-making. We do not oppose that, although it offences by recidivist offenders. does bring into question some of the decision-making that we have seen in the past few months with respect However, I seek clarity from the minister so I can best to closures of lakes. Thankfully none of them were in inform my community regarding any concerns they my electorate of Gippsland South, but in other parts of may have. I know that through the state budget there the state we saw significant changes. was a large commitment to keeping our community safe and ensuring that we as a government are Members of the house will probably have received providing the resources needed to assist Victoria Police under their door this morning the latest issue of achieve this goal. I commend the recent announcement Conservation & Hunting, which is a magazine of the by the Andrews government of a $596 million public Australian Deer Association and Field & Game safety package, which will allow for an extra 406 sworn Australia. It highlights the closures that occurred. The police, including 300 more on the front line, in the next member for Murray Plains, the Leader of The two years. Nationals, has already mentioned the incident at the Lake Elizabeth State Game Reserve. There were also PRIMARY INDUSTRIES LEGISLATION closures at Toolondo Reservoir and the Johnson AMENDMENT BILL 2016 Swamp State Game Reserve.
Second reading There was very clear anger and concern in the hunting community about the way these changes were made. Debate resumed. That anger and concern are perhaps best enunciated by Field & Game Australia’s David McNabb in an article Mr D. O’BRIEN (Gippsland South) — I pick up in the journal Conservation & Hunting which says that where I left off, which was speaking about the one of the conclusions that can be drawn from the amendments to the Wildlife Act, specifically those in closures that occurred this year is: relation to hunting and the Game Management Authority (GMA), and some amendments to the Public Government will disregard advice from its own experts, the Administration Act 2004 as well. GMA, selectively choosing advice to achieve its own outcomes. Government is unable or unwilling to be consistent in application of standard game management processes. Hunting is a critical industry and pastime in Gippsland in general and in my electorate of Gippsland South in The article highlights that responsible hunters, those particular. Indeed a report produced by the previous represented in particular by Field & Game Australia, do coalition government estimating the impact of hunting not have confidence in this government. In fact it in Victoria in 2013, which was released in 2014, highlights that Field & Game: showed that hunting expenditure had a total economic impact in Victoria of $439 million, which is a very … can operate with consistent and transparent processes, and significant figure across the state. where there is good communication. The article goes on to say: In fact, the largest impacts outside Melbourne on a regional basis were in Gippsland, with a $76 million
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This has not been our experience with this government this abhor the terrible treatment that has been unmasked on season. occasion at so-called puppy farms and absolutely agree Our preference is to work with government. However, it does with anything the government will do to outlaw those not appear there is the likelihood for improvement any time or to strengthen enforcement of outlawing those. The soon … law is quite clear, and the coalition government made significant changes to crack down on puppy farms as That is certainly a concern we have. We saw the well. But I am concerned that some of the policies government arbitrarily make decisions on closures. As I proposed and those that have been foreshadowed by the said, the member for Murray Plains has outlined the government, which we will possibly be debating later Lake Elizabeth situation, where hunters were given this year, will in fact be counterproductive in terms of 2 hours to get out the night before the opening of the animal welfare. season with respect to a particular bird species which was quite easily identifiable. There are concerns about In my electorate I have a registered dog breeder by the the way that went. name of Banksia Park Puppies that operates at Stradbroke, just south of Sale. I believe it is the largest The other thing that Mr McNabb raises in his article is breeder of dogs in the state. I have been there to have a the slow progress by the government on the look, and I have invited the minister, Jaala Pulford, to implementation of matters around the Game also visit. She has refused to do so. This is a super Management Authority. That was, of course, initiated professional organisation. Their dogs have a lot of by the former coalition government and established to space, they have shelter and they are well fed and great acclaim by the hunting and conservation looked after. They have a staff I think of 12 to communities. We had an original hunting action plan. 15 people coming in to look after the animals and to Mr McNabb’s article says: socialise them. Indeed, a number of the employees are The original plan was signed off by the previous coalition intellectually disabled people who find great joy in the state government in a whole-of-government commitment to job that they do but also do a fantastic job with the hunting. Shelved as the new Andrews Labor government took animals. Even the local school, the Longford Primary power in late 2014, it’s been six months since the last School, has students who get to come down once a discussion on this important initiative. How long will hunters wait? week to help socialise the new puppies. What a great job that would be for a group of kids. I appreciate and understand that the Labor Party is under pressure from The Greens and from animal rights This organisation has well over 100 — I think around activists with respect to hunting. I am pleased that the 200 — breeding animals. Under the proposed government has resisted the pressure to ban duck legislation the government is foreshadowing for later in hunting, as has occurred in other states, and that it did the year, it will be outlawed by 2020. I think that is have a season this year. However, there are those other actually not a good outcome for animal welfare, concerns that I have already outlined, and I think the because there is a strong demand from Victorians for government needs to be far more transparent in the way puppies or dogs as pets. That demand will still need to it makes decisions about hunting, particularly with be met from somewhere, and I fear that that demand respect to the duck season. will in fact be met through the black market, by breeders underground, and that will actually be worse In the time I have left, I just want to move on to the for animal welfare. I caution the minister and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act changes and also government on this issue, and I certainly reiterate the to those with respect to the Domestic Animals Act, invitation for the minister to visit Banksia Park, a particularly in respect of dangerous breeds. As the wonderful breeding facility, and support any measure to member for Murray Plains, the Leader of The ensure that in everything we do we make sure that we Nationals, has outlined, the government, having made get the best possible outcomes for animal welfare. quite a lot of political mileage out of dogs but particularly dangerous breeds and saving those animals, Ms SPENCE (Yuroke) — I move: has now found that it is actually a little bit harder and That the debate be now adjourned. not quite as simple as it would appear from opposition. We are therefore seeing the moratorium on the Mr CLARK (Box Hill) — The opposition opposes destruction of dangerous breed dogs extended further. this motion to adjourn. What is happening is exactly what we warned would happen yesterday when we I am concerned more broadly about some of the were debating the government business program. The policies that the government is proposing with respect government has overloaded the program and is, to animal breeding and to dogs in particular. We all
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therefore, truncating debate on a number of very being in Snoozeville for their time in government. This important bills. The opposition has got several country was a do-nothing set of individuals and government members who want to make a contribution on the members who when they were in power actually impact this bill will have on their electorates, but they slowed down the pace of the legislation that was are being denied the time to do so. coming through the Parliament.
Government members yesterday had the nerve to I appreciate that the new picked-up pace that the Labor complain and urge opposition members to make further government is bringing to the house is probably contributions to debate, but when there are bills on frustrating and proving challenging to members which the opposition side of the house has important opposite. Nonetheless government members are very things to say the government will not give us the keen to move on to the next item of business, the Land opportunity and simply shuts down the debate to suit its (Revocation of Reservations — Regional Victoria own priorities. If the government has overloaded the Land) Bill. I encourage all members to take this program within the available sitting hours, the remedy opportunity to speak on this important legislation is very straightforward: the house should sit longer so brought before the house. that each of the bills before the house can be properly debated. Mr BATTIN (Gembrook) — I rise to support the manager of opposition business in relation to stopping Yet again this is a government that is in disarray. It has the adjournment. We are actually talking about the been unable to organise its legislative program and is Primary Industries Legislation Amendment Bill 2016, now trying to guillotine bills which are important to and there are people on our side who do need to speak many, many members representing constituencies right on that. There are people within the country regions across the state. As I indicated yesterday, this Primary who have wanted to put their voice out and make sure Industries Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 deals with that they are heard. They can get the voices of their a range of acts of Parliament and a range of different communities heard in this house, and that is what it is policy areas, and each and every one of those deserves all about. It is important that they do get that proper attention. There are members on this side of the opportunity to stand up on behalf of the local house who want to make contributions, and they should communities they represent. be allowed to do so. Whilst I note that we are going on to the Land Ms RICHARDSON (Minister for Women) — The (Revocation of Reservations — Regional Victoria government business program which was presented Land) Bill 2016, which is an important bill — it is an yesterday is a jam-packed program, for sure. Certainly important bill to go through — you cannot do that at the both sides of the house agree that the government is expense of a bill in relation to regional Victoria. While doing a great deal of legislative work that needs to be members opposite are saying that it is a jam-packed brought before the house. However, we need to proceed program, we have actually said that they have put too in an orderly fashion, and I understand the opposition much in the program this week, and what that has done was made aware that we would be moving on to the is prevent genuine debate on a lot of these bills. next item of the day, which is the Land (Revocation of Reservations — Regional Victoria Land) Bill 2016. It If the government wants to talk about laziness et cetera, is of course an important bill that needs to be debated, last sitting week we only had two bills before the house. and the government is seeking to ensure that members That actually shows to me that the Leader of the House on both sides of the house have an opportunity to speak for the government cannot arrange a timetable that is to the bills that are presented here as part of the effective to give everyone that opportunity. I note the government business program. suggestion to have discussions with our whip. I am more than happy to talk to our whip; I talk to our whip I would urge all members in fact to work with their quite regularly. However, the whip cannot add whips to talk through these issues as they arise to additional times when the government tries to stop ensure that everybody does get that opportunity to debate and uses its numbers to prevent people in speak about these important bills. Those conversations regional Victoria having a voice. are taking place, as I understand, but I do also appreciate that members opposite may be frustrated at I think it is vital that we continue on this bill, as our the number of bills that are coming forward in fact, regional members sitting here today understand totally because what they were perhaps more used to when how important it is to get their discussion time. They they were in government was a slower pace of are but a voice for 40 000 people, the same as legislation through the house as a consequence of them everybody else in this area, but some of them sitting in
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here at the moment are covering up to about 60 per cent that makes absolutely no sense. We are adjourning the of Victoria’s landmass, and I think it is important that debate. We are getting on with it, and if that is a bit those people up there get that voice. different to what they experienced under the Geoff Shaw regime, then I am sorry for all of them. We are Members of the shadow cabinet went up just recently to getting on with things on this side. Mildura to look through that area, and people up in Mildura particularly have mentioned that they do not Mr R. SMITH (Warrandyte) — I rise to support the get an opportunity to have their voice heard in manager of opposition business in his call to stave off Parliament with this government. The government is this attempt to adjourn, and I could not agree more with ignoring country Victorians, and we need to make sure the member for Gembrook’s comments as well. This that those people have that voice in this Parliament. We government is a city-centric government; there is no need to make sure that we continue on these debates to doubt about it. To hear the member for Mordialloc, a ensure that voice is continued into the future. member who represents an inner-city seat, telling country members that their contributions in this house Mr RICHARDSON (Mordialloc) — I rise to about their electorates and about their constituents are support the adjourning of the current bill. Let us not nothing more than waffle frankly shows to everyone in beat around the bush. This is a fast-paced government. the house and indeed to Victorians how city-centric this This is the government getting on with things. This is a government actually is. Whether it is denigrating little unfamiliar for those opposite, who lived life for Country Fire Authority volunteers, whether it is four years in the slow lane — ‘Steady as you go. You’ll reducing the amount of money going to road be right’. Some of the power that we are getting maintenance, whether it is taking funding from country through on some of these bills for regional Victoria is councils, this government shows that it is absolutely a important. Some of the waffle and some of the rhetoric 100 per cent city-centric government. from those opposite is really disappointing. Indeed when there is a bill that comes to this house for We have got to get on with things. There has been a big debate, a bill that actually addresses issues that country program this year of bills. There has been a lot of Victorians and indeed that members in this place who support for regional Victoria. This is no different. This represent them want to talk about, the first thing the is not a genuine suggestion that members are not being government does is to curtail debate as soon as it able to have their say, because some of the rhetoric that possibly can. The first thing it does is say to those the opposition has put forward in the house on behalf of members, ‘You can’t talk on these issues. You can’t its constituents is falsified and misleading their represent your constituents’. communities, and those opposite know it, particularly on things like the Country Fire Authority. The Minister for Women, who is at the table, seemed to indicate how proud she was of the government business This government is fast-paced in trying to get on with program and of the bills the government brings to this it, and if the opposition was genuine, it would have house, yet she does not want to see debate on these more people in the house and would have had more bills. She does not want to have the house talk about people putting their names down for bills over the last them. She does not want to see members talking about 18 months. If you did a count of those speaking and the the specific issues that relate to this bill. I see the number of bills on which people have spoken on that member for Lowan is on our speaking list, and she is side, there are still some struggling to get their very keen to speak on this bill. She has been second-reading statistics up into double digits. There assiduously working to make sure that she represents are still a few. her community, and this government is going to deprive her of the opportunity to represent her There are a few on our side heading towards triple constituents in a manner which she is afforded the right figures, but there are a few on the other side who have to in this place. barely gotten to double digit figures, and I am talking about second-reading debates. I look towards those who I support the manager of opposition business in his claim to be the saviours of regional Victoria. There are attempt to stop this adjournment. I think that we should some members of The Nationals who have barely certainly continue debating this bill. We should gotten to double digit figures in second-reading debates. certainly make sure that we address all the issues in this Those opposite cannot come in here and tell us that bill. The Minister for Women said, ‘I encourage they want to speak on bills and get involved when for everyone to speak on the next bill’, but we actually 18 months they have lived life in the slow lane. They want to speak on this bill. Why does she not encourage cannot come in here and put forward a contradiction us to speak on this bill? We are simply not able to,
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because the minister will not let us do that. As I said, it LAND (REVOCATION OF is very disingenuous of the government to stop the RESERVATIONS — REGIONAL VICTORIA debate on this bill. I think it should rethink the LAND) BILL 2016 adjournment. Let us talk about this bill and let our members who represent their country areas so well Second reading speak on the bill. There are three members sitting in the chamber who represent over 60 per cent of Victoria, Debate resumed from 4 May; motion of and, as the member for Gembrook said, their Ms NEVILLE (then Minister for Environment, constituents have a right to expect their member to be Climate Change and Water). able to get up here and speak on these bills. Mr BATTIN (Gembrook) — Thank you very With that, I support the call put forward by the manager much, Speaker, and thank you for obliging me during of opposition business that we do not adjourn this question time today by allowing me to stay. It was debate. fantastic today.
House divided on Ms Spence’s motion: The Land (Revocation of Reservations — Regional Ayes, 47 Victoria Land) Bill 2016 is a bill that has come forward. It is quite a standard bill. It relates to the Allan, Ms Knight, Ms Andrews, Mr Lim, Mr revocation of land in regional Victoria. We have seen Blandthorn, Ms McGuire, Mr this kind of bill in the past over many governments. I Brooks, Mr Merlino, Mr will state the opposition’s position at the start: we will Bull, Mr J. Nardella, Mr not oppose this bill. I will speak about some particular Carbines, Mr Neville, Ms Carroll, Mr Noonan, Mr items in the bill individually and where they are Couzens, Ms Pakula, Mr heading. The bill relates to permanent reservations over D’Ambrosio, Ms Pallas, Mr Crown land that can only be amended by an act of Dimopoulos, Mr Pearson, Mr Parliament. These amendments can only go through Donnellan, Mr Richardson, Mr Edwards, Ms Richardson, Ms when the bill is passed by Parliament. As we have said, Eren, Mr Sandell, Ms this bill is a routine part of government business, and so Foley, Mr Scott, Mr for obvious reasons we will not be opposing it. It is Garrett, Ms Sheed, Ms something that needs to be done. Graley, Ms Spence, Ms Green, Ms Staikos, Mr Halfpenny, Ms Suleyman, Ms The bill provides for a number of revocations. The first Hennessy, Ms Thomas, Ms one is Burkes Flat. The bill revokes a redundant Hibbins, Mr Thomson, Ms permanent reservation, which initially had the purposes Howard, Mr Ward, Ms of a mechanics institute and free library and a restricted Hutchins, Ms Williams, Ms Kairouz, Ms Wynne, Mr Crown grant. The site was never used for that purpose. Kilkenny, Ms The institute was built on an adjoining allotment and Noes, 36 was later demolished in 1994. In relation to the image Angus, Mr Northe, Mr attached here, the land surrounding the mechanics Asher, Ms O’Brien, Mr D. institute hall will not be impacted, and thus it will most Battin, Mr O’Brien, Mr M. likely be sold. I think it is important to put it out there Blackwood, Mr Paynter, Mr Britnell, Ms Pesutto, Mr that the hall was not used for what it was initially Bull, Mr T. Riordan, Mr designed for, and therefore it is something that should Burgess, Mr Ryall, Ms go back out. There is the ability to sell it and move it Clark, Mr Smith, Mr R. on. Crisp, Mr Smith, Mr T. Dixon, Mr Southwick, Mr Fyffe, Mrs Staley, Ms Campbelltown is the second one. The bill revokes a Gidley, Mr Thompson, Mr redundant permanent reservation which was initially Guy, Mr Tilley, Mr made for livestock watering purposes. The site is no Hodgett, Mr Victoria, Ms longer used for that purpose. Again, the owner of the Katos, Mr Wakeling, Mr Kealy, Ms Walsh, Mr adjoining land currently has a licence on the land, and it McCurdy, Mr Watt, Mr will most likely be sold. Morris, Mr Wells, Mr In relation to Lake Charm, the bill revokes a redundant Motion agreed to and debate adjourned. permanent reservation initially made for a mechanics institute and free library. A mechanics institute was Debate adjourned until later this day.
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built on the site and later demolished in 1946. The site to them by the CFA and how they are going to be is now vacant and not used. This will most likely be protected going forward. sold. Whilst this EBA is being pushed through — obviously The last one is Walpeup. This revokes redundant a court decision today is trying to prevent that, and the permanent reservations initially made for experimental court will make a determination of who is right and farm purposes over six different Crown allotments. The who is wrong as it goes through — it is important that site is known as the Mallee Research Station; it is an we discuss how these areas are going to be used in the agricultural research station. The site was closed in future and what they are going to be used for within 2009, and it is an area of 1040 hectares. The site has local communities. We need to look at whether these valuable vegetation and buildings, and suitable land for amendments are going to put people at risk in their agriculture is available. The future use of the land is local communities. said to be mixed, given its various values. The public and council are keen to see some action take place. This Our local communities need to understand that any revocation was introduced by the coalition when it was change in land or to its title — any change of where it in government, and it did not come to fruition due to heads to — relates to where it is going to end up and time constraints. That is why we are not opposing the who is going to end up controlling it. If that land is to bill. be sold, obviously the community would like to know where that money will go. The community would like I have some maps here in relation to the bill. The to know how it is going to be spent, but it would also interesting thing I will note is that when you look like to make sure that the land is going to be maintained through these plans, there is one thing that is obviously in a condition that is safe. very common to a lot of these lands, and that is that a lot of the land is in forested areas — in areas that are The maintenance of these areas can be done by local heavily treed. Some of them are just in dry grasslands, community members and local community volunteers. but obviously they are not in areas where there are only Local community volunteers can and probably have buildings. The one thing that is vital in all of these areas protected those areas for a long time. This maintenance and the areas surrounding them is that they are areas can include gardening. Community members may have that are generally serviced by the Country Fire done weeding in the area. The other thing the Authority (CFA). It is very important that if a CFA community can do is make sure these areas have good brigade were to be called on in one of these areas, it fire prevention. To get the fire prevention measures in would be able to react. The people who would react in place in these areas, communities generally discuss all of these areas would be volunteers. There are these matters with their local CFA. The local CFA is volunteers across our state who go out and protect the vital when communities talk about the protection of surrounding houses in areas like these, they protect our land. The CFA will actually come in there, assess the natural assets, they protect the forested land and they land for the local community, whether it is still in make sure they do. government hands or in private hands, and it will actually have a look over it to make sure it is going to When we look at these revocations and look at the best protect that local community. protection of these areas, it is vital that we continue to put that across and discuss how the CFA is going to Mechanics institutes are generally halls, and they can protect them in the future. One of the things the CFA be used at times of disaster as well. If you have a requires in protecting areas like this is surge capacity. disaster going through an area, communities can use That surge capacity is something that has been put at local halls. I note that the member for Mildura is here. risk at the moment. It is something this government has Local halls are used all the way through his electorate; put at great risk through its fundamental error of trying people use them to meet and greet. We use halls like to force through an enterprise bargaining agreement this as a position at which people can meet during and (EBA) in relation to the CFA. In doing that it has put at after an event. There could be a major bushfire or flood great risk the very lifeblood of the CFA. It is important through one of our regions, and it is vital we have these to note this when we are talking about these particular facilities for people to use. revocations, because they are in areas that are serviced by the CFA. Whilst the department has put forward its As I said, the coalition is not opposing the bill, but these position and the government is putting forward a local halls can be used by our local CFA brigades to come down and give briefings and information position on these revocations, whether they are sold or not sold, from the community’s perspective it is very sessions. The volunteers in our community are vital. important that they understand the protection afforded They do such a fantastic job across our whole state. We
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have an issue at the moment where the government is important they are not just to the government but also to not standing side by side with these volunteers, and we the communities getting factual information on the need to make sure they are protected. We need to make table and factual information back to farmers, making sure that volunteers can continue to provide information sure that we have the best practices going forward. to the community. At halls like these mechanics institutes our CFA volunteers would be able to give the Talking about farmers, farmers are very important for community information and updates. However, by fire prevention and firefighting throughout Victoria. supporting the new EBA, this government has actually Farmers are the ones who support the CFA. Farmers removed the right for CFA volunteers to do community actually have a lot of trucks on their own sites; they do engagement. It has created a requirement that it must be their own fire protection. These are the things that may a career firefighter or a member of the United not be protected in the future. It is vital that we actually Firefighters Union that does that, whereas what we stand with our farmers and make sure not only that they want is local people giving local information and using have access to the research from centres, and if any facilities like this to make sure they can get that money from these revocations is going back to the information across. centres for research, that we are getting the information out to them and working with them so they can better We have got the bill before the house today, which is protect their communities, their crops et cetera in the not opposed, but certain areas around here — Burkes future. Flat and Campbelltown — obviously have high fire danger and high risk. It is important that we ensure the When we are talking about agriculture, or when we are protection of these areas going forward and make sure talking about any farming throughout regional Victoria, that we are in a position to protect them. some of the biggest risks farmers face are floods, storms and the rapid expansion of any fires, particularly Whilst this government is going to bring through new grassfires, which can be very fast moving. If you did legislation, and there has been old legislation — have a big grassfire or a large bushfire coming towards obviously some of the bills that have been here a property, even one of the ones for which there is before — to revoke the land, we are actually going to revocation here, the only way to actually stop or put ask government members in making their contributions preventions in place is to actually have a surge capacity in relation to this to specifically outline what measures of people to go out there and fight that fire. Those they are going to put in place to ensure the protection of people, you would generally find, would be volunteers. the local communities around there. What are they A good example would be Black Saturday, where for going to be doing to ensure that the CFA has the first 5 or 6 hours of Black Saturday there were only opportunities to go to mechanics institutes or halls to volunteers on the ground. deliver community information on how best to protect people in high fire danger? We want them to talk about We need to make sure that in the future we still have the EBA. We want them to talk about how a court that surge capacity going forward. We need to make today has actually decided that it is going to put another sure that anything in place going forward in relation to injunction on this EBA to stop it going through, till fire prevention in our regional areas can have support 20 July, so we can go through that community from the outer ring of Melbourne, and that outer ring of consultation. If you actually are doing that community Melbourne currently has a very strong and vibrant consultation, here are some great places to do it. They volunteer sector and some integrated stations as well. It have not been sold yet. Here are some great places to is those volunteers that will go out and protect land like get out there and actually get that information on the this in the future, and they will make sure that areas like record so people can discuss it from there. this have the staff, the trucks and the facilities available when they are needed. One of the provisions in here is clause 10. It revokes the orders in council providing for the permanent Whilst the government will talk about purchasing reservation referred to in items 4, 5 and 6 of schedule 1 70 new trucks, so many of the trucks across Victoria are of the bill — the site of an experimental farm known as purchased by the local community. It is vital that the the agricultural research station. The permanent local community stays on board with this and gets reservations are revoked in full. We all know that behind their local CFAs. I would actually recommend agriculture is very important in Victoria. Agricultural them. They could even go to the Herald Sun today. research is very important in Victoria. I had the They could get a new little sticker, which says, ‘Back pleasure of going out when I was the Parliamentary the CFA’. We need to make sure that they get their Secretary for the Environment and having a look at message out there that — — some of our research centres, understanding how
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The ACTING SPEAKER (Ms Edwards) — have volunteers in the ambulance service. We have Order! The member needs to understand that no props volunteers like the Red Cross, who go out and support are allowed in the house. the local community, and many of them have used facilities like this, particularly with the mechanics Mr BATTIN — That one. It is very important — — institutes. What we are saying here today is that while we do not oppose the bill, that must be taken into The ACTING SPEAKER (Ms Edwards) — consideration when the government is going forward. Order! That is very disrespectful, and I would like an apology. I want to thank the department for the briefings with my staff when we went through it. I want to make sure Mr BATTIN — I withdraw. that any messages from this are heard well and truly The ACTING SPEAKER (Ms Edwards) — and that when members of the government stand up and Thank you. talk about the revocations — whilst we do not oppose those — they put on record their support for the local Mr BATTIN — Continuing in relation to the CFA, CFA. They need to put on record their support for it is just a shame that we only have one side of the locals’ voices to ensure that the EBA in front of them at Parliament that will actually stick up for the CFA, and the moment does not go through and that we can we need to make sure that it will continue. protect these communities in the future.
In relation to land revocation, obviously we have Mr CARBINES (Ivanhoe) — I am pleased to make spoken about the land revocations in the past. This is a contribution on this bill, the Land (Revocation of not the first lot to come through in this term of Reservations — Regional Victoria Land) Bill 2016. Let government, and I am sure there will be more to come us be very clear about what this bill does. It is going to through. The department, I know, worked quite hard on revoke redundant permanent reservations over Crown making sure that when we are looking at the land across land at Burkes Flat, 30 kilometres east of St Arnaud; the state, we do not want to end up with land that is Campbelltown, 20 kilometres north-west of surplus or that is going to create issues for people, Daylesford; Lake Charm, 15 kilometres north-west of government or the local community in the future. You Kerang; and Walpeup, 30 kilometres east of Ouyen. should actually be looking at disposing of some of that land. I think it is important, and I actually say that the There are no mechanics institute halls on the sites department does a great job in making sure it plans for which relate to this bill, so let us just be very clear that. Some of the areas come about because they are about that. There are no structures on the sites in backing on or have a licence over them or are leased to relation to mechanics institutes halls. I think it is somebody else — one of the local community important to make sure that that is very clear to the lead members. The better option, from a government speaker from the opposition. perspective, is to either sell that land or move it on so it Can I say also that we are pleased that the opposition is comes off the books from there. Most of our land — not opposing the bill. We are also pleased that, given obviously government land — is around supporting the technical nature of the bill, there have not really communities and making sure that communities have been a lot of public announcements and discussions those assets that are available. about some of these revocation matters.
What I will say — and I am going to finish my Given that the lead speaker went to broader investments contribution — is that no matter what happens with the and discussions in relation to regional Victoria, I might land going forward, we are not opposing the revocation also touch on some of those. In particular on the of land here. No matter what happens to this land going 2016–17 budget, which does deliver for regional forward in regional Victoria, we need to understand that Victoria, I will outline just a few of those investments the biggest asset we have in regional Victoria is people. on behalf of the Andrews government. There is $1.3 It is not land, and it is not buildings; it is people. We billion for rail, including $518 million to upgrade the need to respect their views, and we need to respect their Ballarat line, $280 million for 27 new VLocity voice when they are speaking. They will speak on carriages and $131 million to increase passenger things like the revocation. Some people, when they are services to Ballarat, Traralgon, Geelong, Shepparton, looking at certain revocations, may look at how it Bendigo and Warrnambool. I also put on the record that affects their local community. Most of them would look there is $325 million in funding for infrastructure works at how it affects all of regional Victoria. We need to and services, including upgrades to irrigation, water understand that regional Victoria survives on volunteers security, mobile black spots and streetscaping. and the State Emergency Service and the CFA. We
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In the area of investment in water infrastructure, I know in Shepparton. I certainly thank Clem Furphy for his from my role as Parliamentary Secretary for the service, which had a lot to do with the significant Environment that we have done a lot of work. I was up investments made by the Andrews government in its in Maryborough recently in relation to some significant previous budget, along with this $168.5 million to water infrastructure works that we are doing there on Goulburn Valley Health. A lot of the early work that water purification and improving water quality. Again people like Clem led needs to be acknowledged. There this shows the great work that our water authorities are was also the work done by Greg Pullen in his time as doing with the support of the government in ensuring CEO at Goulburn Valley Health. that there is investment in places such as Maryborough in the electorate of Ripon. There are a range of other matters in the budget that I think are worthy of mention in relation to regional There is also $101 million for the Regional Tourism Victoria, as the expansive discussions by the lead Infrastructure Fund to upgrade tourist landmarks and speaker of the opposition addressed. Particularly around create jobs. Tourism is a critical part of growing jobs rural and regional Victoria, there are some 61 projects and investment in regional Victoria. We know also that that will share in more than $200 million for upgrades, particularly around water policy and our investment in planning and land acquisitions to finally give students recreational water supplies in regional Victoria it is the modern facilities they deserve in our state education about making sure that there is water there for irrigators system. As I touched on in discussing the Drysdale but also, where we can, that we manage demand for bypass project, there is $107 million that will improve recreational pursuits and water use. If we can make sure safety on the Bellarine Peninsula. I think that is a there is recreational water use in regional Victoria, that critical project for people in the Bellarine electorate. drives tourism, regional investment and greater opportunities for jobs in hospitality in regional Victoria. In relation to the bill, we need to ask: what is a Crown Water security is now not just about providing for land reserve or reservation? I know that is something primary producers and irrigation; it is also about trying that people in the house will be keen to have some to make sure, where we can, that we invest in and grow clarification about. For the benefit of following the supply of recreational water in regional Victoria, speakers, I will just give a brief outline of a Crown land because that drives tourism, drives investment and reservation and what it is. It is land that has effectively drives jobs for many regional Victorians. been set aside by an order of the Governor in Council for a particular public purpose, such as for an There is $107 million for the Drysdale bypass project in educational or recreational purpose. These reservations the electorate of the Minister for Water, which will may be temporary or they may be permanent. A reduce congestion and improve safety on the Bellarine temporary reservation may be revoked through an Peninsula. This is a very significant investment, and it administrative process such as an order of the Governor is a project that I know she worked very hard on in the in Council, and of course a permanent Crown land lead-up to the last election to ensure that there was reservation may only be revoked by or in accordance funding for it. I know that that is a project for which she with an act of Parliament. has pushed very hard to secure investment. It is a very substantial project there in Drysdale. Anyone who Can that land be used for other purposes without drives along Drysdale roads would know that the revoking the reservation? It is good practice to manage bypass is critical for people living on the peninsula. and regulate land in a manner that is consistent with the purpose for which it is reserved, and it is not possible to We have also seen some $325 million in investments to sell reserved Crown land. That is something that I think create jobs in regional areas, and I think that has been that members would be keen to be aware of. quite significant and widely well received and welcomed by regional Victorians. In relation to the land at Burkes Flat, is it affected by the bill? The land at Burkes Flat comprises a small area There is $168.5 million to completely redevelop of vacant land which is currently permanently reserved Goulburn Valley Health in Shepparton. Goulburn for the purposes of a mechanics institute and free Valley Health is a very significant provider of services library. The land is contained within Crown allotment 7 across the Greater Shepparton region. I remember my in the township of Burkes Flat in the local parish. days working for former health minister Bronwyn Pike. Burkes Flat is approximately 30 kilometres east of Clem Furphy, as a former chair of Goulburn Valley Saint Arnaud. The mechanics institute’s building was Health, is someone whom I have great regard for and never built on the site; it was in fact built on the who did a lot of work in those early days to advocate adjoining site. That building was demolished in 1994 in for and drive improvements to Goulburn Valley Health the dark days of the Kennett government.
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The Crown land reservation and restricted Crown grant agricultural research station land at Walpeup. My is being revoked. Why is that happening? Why are we interest in this is very much related to Walpeup. suggesting that we do that? The ratification of the Walpeup is a part of the Mildura electorate, and the existing permanent reservation and restriction of Crown Walpeup research station has been very much at the land is being revoked as it is now redundant. It does not heart of the Mallee for over 75 years. reflect the current or any potential future uses of the land. Are there future plans for the land at Burkes Flat? I will begin with some of the history of the Mallee At this stage there are no definite plans relating to the Research Station at Walpeup. As I said, it goes back land at Burkes Flat, although it is anticipated that the over 75 years — and 75 field days were held on that land will be assessed as surplus to government site. It came into being with grain farmers coming to requirements and may be sold. the Mallee and needing to have a great deal of support and assistance in learning how to get the best possible There are set processes under legislation in relation to result out of the Mallee soils. That was achieved at the Victorian Government Land Monitor and under the Walpeup. Scientists have worked there for a number of valuer-general about how processes are dealt with for generations and have been able to make Mallee soils the disposal of government land. It may be offered to highly productive. What was considered to be marginal other government departments, or it could be offered to grain land is now prime grain land, by the work that has local government before potentially being made been done. I attended a number of those field days prior available for public sale. There are a range of processes to the announcement of the closure in 2008. that may be followed in relation to that site. On coming to this position I knew very little about Can I say also that the land for watering purposes at grain growing, but by the time I had finished a couple Campbelltown was also contained within a Crown of field days I had learnt a great deal about grain allotment; it is approximately 20 kilometres north-west growing. That research, again, has carried through to of Daylesford in the Buninyong electorate. The bill this very day with the way the Mallee has been able to revokes the existing permanent reservation for watering produce a yield in what are essentially times of drought. purposes. Are there any future plans for that land at That is largely attributable to the work that was done at Campbelltown? It is anticipated that the land will be the Mallee Research Station — sometimes beginning assessed as surplus to government requirements and with the inventiveness of farmers and sometimes may be sold to the adjoining landowner, who currently beginning with the sheer academic work as well. holds a licence under the Land Act 1958 to use the land. These are some of the matters that may lead to the One of the closing trials conducted there which was of future use of the land at Campbelltown. interest to me was that which created an environment in Mallee conditions but with additional CO2 introduced In relation to the land at Walpeup, what was the around the crops to be able to, as the CO2 in the agricultural research station used for? Just for the atmosphere rose, look at the effect on grain crops. That record, it was part of research into dryland farming was also trialled across a large number of new strains techniques, particularly for the Mallee region. The site and hybrids of various grains to work out what would was managed by the former Department of Primary be the impact of slightly higher CO2 levels. Industries until 2009. I am pleased that the opposition does not oppose this bill, which relates to the revocation In fact it was work done to allow for the adaption and of reservations in regional Victoria in relation to several continued production of our valuable export in that parcels of land. I wish the bill a speedy passage through area. Unfortunately the trial was cut short by the 2008 the house and commend the minister and the closure, something that I think in the future Mallee department on their work. farmers will come to view in a different light to the way it was viewed in 2008 when the site was closed. The Mr CRISP (Mildura) — I rise to make a site is divided roughly into three areas: the trial areas contribution on the Land (Revocation of for grain growing; an area of Buloke forest, which is in Reservations — Regional Victoria Land) Bill 2016. prime condition because of how well it was maintained The purposes of the bill are to revoke the permanent as a research station; and of course the buildings, which reservation and related Crown grant of certain were the centre of the Walpeup community. The mechanics institute land at Burkes Flat, to revoke the changes in this reservation will need to take into permanent reservation of certain watering purposes account a number of aspects as it goes through that. land at Campbelltown, to revoke the permanent reservation of certain mechanics institute land at Lake The community did consider it to be its centre, and it Charm, and to revoke the permanent reservation of was used by the community for meetings, for school
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visits to train our future farmers and agronomists and organisation in the Mallee, endeavoured to try to find other support mechanisms for farming, and for some way of utilising that building and keeping it as the academic visits. On numerous occasions I came across heart of that part of the Mallee. Petitions came to researchers there. Somewhat embarrassingly, to add to Parliament. I pay tribute to Luise Mock who worked that, one day I was driving over the hill and saw two very hard in that area at the time as she raised issue ladies standing there holding a rake. I stopped to ask after issue, looking for opportunities. Similarly, schools what they were doing. They told me they had just raked were concerned about the lack of access, particularly to the track, ahead of looking for wildlife the next mentors and scientific people who had been present to morning and would I please not come back this way show a way for that area to progress. Advertisements after they had raked out my tyre marks. were examined, looking for expressions of interest. It did not amount to much initially. An action group was Some of the resources that are within those buildings formed but was excluded from the process because it are accommodation and other extensive facilities. Some had a vested interest, and then the issue of donated of that accommodation was used, as was the whole equipment had to be gone through. This all caused the area, as a staging ground for the Country Fire Authority community great pain as we went through those (CFA). This strip of Mallee track farm sits between processes. huge national parks: the Hattah-Kulkyne National Park, the Sunset-Murray National Park and the Wyperfeld The Mildura Rural City Council became involved and National Park. It has been used as a staging ground for TAFE became involved. To TAFE’s credit it took a the CFA and national parks to fight those fires. It has temporary or a short-term lease over the site and with fantastic facilities for firefighters, and allows them to its building and construction apprentices it did a great use the showers, to sleep and to be fed. That will be deal of restoration work at that site. In that time there missed. At this point we should acknowledge those were some artists who came into residence there as Mallee track brigades for the work they do in protecting well, using the facilities that the TAFE college had that area, and we also should acknowledge their ability improved for accommodation. But then TAFE walked to act as the surge capacity in dealing with those huge away because it could not find a use for it within the fires which are often campaign fires and go on for a academic environment. Mildura Rural City Council very long period of time. The local knowledge that could not find a way forward. The community even those brigades bring means that they know the local looked at it, when Pam Parker came along and made a resources. They know who has got what machinery, suggestion that perhaps it could be used for an early where it is and how it can be used. They know where release facility for prisoners to give them some skills as the water resources are and they also know where the they were about to go back into the community, being people are: which farmhouses are occupied, which are low-risk. This tore the community apart, but its not, who is away and who is not. That is a tribute that members were incredibly pragmatic — and I take my has to be paid, and remembering that this research hat off to them — and they said, ‘Yes, we would like station and its facilities sat at the heart of the that’. However, again, the community having said yes, community. it did not result in anything occurring.
It is those physical facilities there that very much Over time huge numbers of people have been involved occupied the community’s time. There has been a long in this research facility. It was the heart of the Mallee period where the community worked very hard and and that heart was cut out by the end of research at that there was considerable grief after the announcement on facility. Those community members are still grieving 8 August 2008 about the future of that research station. the loss, and in the future we have an issue with the A large number of meetings were held over that time, ongoing grain research that is so important. But the and I attended a great deal of them. There were people community members stood and they fought and they employed at that station who lost their jobs. Some were worked hard. Now the building is for sale. We will wait transferred, some simply took packages as we and see who can take that on and how that will deliver a deconstructed the support for the Mallee at that station. benefit to the Mallee. The pressure is on this Consequently we lost the Walpeup school, which was government to find a use for these marvellous facilities closed because of lack of enrolments, on a decision that to maintain them as the heart of the northern Mallee. was made by a previous government. Sitting suspended 1.01 p.m. until 2.01 p.m. We went through a process of trying to work out what to do next. A reference group was formed and its Business interrupted under sessional orders. members worked very hard over the years to try to find options for that. Ouyen Inc, a very reputable
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MATTERS OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE and one of the things that has held our state together has been the Country Fire Authority. Whether it is in Country Fire Authority enterprise bargaining country communities, regional cities or outer urban agreement Melbourne, I think all of us in this Parliament need to recognise and understand that the CFA is not just a The ACTING SPEAKER (Ms Ward) — Order! group of volunteers coming together to fight fires; it is The Speaker has accepted a statement from the member men and women who are putting their lives on the line for Bulleen proposing the following matter of public to defend their communities and to do everything they importance for discussion: can to protect us, our homes, our towns and our families. For that they deserve our respect. They That this house calls on the Premier to stop showing disrespect to 60 000 CFA volunteers and risking community certainly do not deserve the attacks that they have had safety by continuing to push for an EBA that includes the today by the Premier and by the Labor government. following clauses: It is quite astounding that today, in the year 2016 here (1) 15.1 and 16.1 requiring that changes to structure and in Victoria, the Labor government wants to destroy roles in the brigade administrative and volunteer support services must be agreed by the UFU; decades of volunteerism in the name of politics and in the name of electoral payback, because we all know (2) 36.4 requiring that unless an incident is a level-3, who was on the polling booths in 2014, we all know multi-agency incident, paid operational staff will be who was there abusing people in 2014, we all know unable to report to volunteer staff, regardless of the who had posters up in their workplace in 2014 and we experience of volunteer staff; all know who was on the how-to-vote card for Labor in (3) 41.1 requiring the CFA to hand over full access of its 2014. It was the unions, and it was the union movement email system and database to UFU, and providing the that came back and said, ‘After the election we’re going UFU will have unrestricted use of it; to come calling’, and indeed Peter Marshall has. The (4) 42.1 requiring that all CFA policies affecting employees question that has not been answered that was put to the can be made or varied only with UFU agreement; Premier by many of us in this chamber is: ‘What does Peter Marshall have on you?’. We would all like to (5) 45.15 providing that firefighters cannot move between know. Is it a tape recording? Is it a transcript? Could it specific types of trucks during a shift unless agreed by the UFU; be a dictaphone? What does Peter Marshall have on the Premier that would have him risk destroying the CFA (6) 45.21.3 providing that staffing charts that specify which in the name of politics? It is not just this side of the staff are at each station and the commencement dates for house that thinks the Premier’s moves are completely those charts can be changed only with UFU agreement or by the disputes panel; disgraceful.
(7) 51.6.5a, 51.3, 147.1 and 183.3 providing that the CFA Mr Nardella interjected. cannot employ operational staff on a part-time or casual basis unless the UFU agrees; Mr GUY — Look to the other side and the very vocal member for Melton. You might want to ask the (8) 62.5 that establishes a disputes panel and provides that if member for Brunswick, you might want to ask your the chairperson of the panel vacates their position, the UFU must agree on a replacement; own former minister: why is she not there? Maybe she has got something that you do not have; she has got a (9) 69.3 providing that only firefighters can be appointed as bit of principle. Maybe she has got something the fitness leaders (responsible for taking fitness classes at Premier does not have; she has got a bit of integrity. work locations); and Maybe she has got something that all of you do not (10) schedule 20 requiring that uniforms and workwear for have; she has got a bit of guts. She stood up to the all CFA operational staff must be agreed by the UFU. Parliament’s greatest bully, the man who will bully anyone over any topic, as we know. What he says Mr GUY (Leader of the Opposition) — What behind closed doors and what he says in public mean 60 000 Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteers want there are two Dans, and we know it. is respect, and what they have got from this government is not just disrespect; it is the ultimate insult from the Do not take it all from me about the CFA. Ask André highest elected official in our state, from the Premier — Haermeyer, who said that the demands of the United that is, to attack them and try to destroy the institution Firefighters Union (UFU) are: that is the CFA, an institution that has been around for decades, for 70 years. We have seen bushfire events in … Trojan horses that would sideline … volunteers … this state come and go and Victoria has survived them,
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That is from André Haermeyer, the former member for of Gary Johns or Peter Tuohey, the head of the Yan Yean. Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF). He could be considered as well — or Jack Rush, or Machelle Do not ask me; ask Gary Johns, a former Keating Labor Crichton or Melinda Richard or the equal opportunity government minister, who wrote very clearly: commission. I am asking you to take theirs.
The Andrews Labor government is a union stooge. Or what about Warren Mundine, AO, a very respected Do not ask me; ask the head of the Country Women’s Australian. He said: Association. Or do those opposite disrespect them all as Look, I come from the bush. The volunteer firefighters in well, saying, ‘They do not matter’? Those opposite do New South Wales, and Victorians are the same, they get out not care: there, they do this for free, they work for their communities, and so you know, any time the volunteers want to stand up, I … these recommendations have the potential to put our am behind them. communities at risk. We are especially concerned for the safety of our rural families and their communities. And so are we on this side of the chamber. Sue Noble, the CEO of Volunteering Victoria, said: Do not take it from me. Do not take it from the member for Brunswick. Do not take it from Gary Johns or In rural areas volunteers in the emergency services are indeed André Haermeyer. What about Melinda connected and contribute across their communities in ways Richard? That is right — another Labor government that extend far beyond fighting fires. appointee who has had the guts to tell the truth. She And she is right, because we on this side of the house said: can tell you, Acting Speaker, and can tell all of this We agree with the human rights commission that clauses in Parliament, that the CFA firefighters are volunteers the proposed agreement that prohibit or restrict part-time who know those communities — they live there, they work are likely to indirectly discriminate against employees respect them, they fight for them, they know the people, who are women, pregnant, have the status of a parent or carer, they know the streets, and in many cases they know have a disability and are possibly older people. who lives in the houses that they are putting their lives Because equality is not negotiable in Victoria, do not on the line to defend. They know them all, so that is ask me. The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human why we should respect them. That is why we should be Rights Commission said: looking after these people, not selling them out for a cheap dirty deal that got the Labor Party into The agreement effectively bans employees working part time government and that got them people to hand out for at a station as an active career firefighter. them before the election.
Do not take it from me. What about Jack Rush, QC? He Can I just say again, Acting Speaker, looking at the said: veto — and not just one veto; the nearly 60 vetoes in I’ve had a look at the EBA — the EBA — can you believe that the government would require the CFA to hand over full access of its email enterprise bargaining agreement — system and database to the UFU?
and I think it’s highly unsatisfactory for volunteer firefighters. Honourable members interjecting.
I have got to tell you, Acting Speaker, whose opinion Mr GUY — Is that the possible minister, the would I take on an EBA, Jack Rush, QC’s or that of the member for Macedon, yelling out? Sorry. I thought it guy over there, the member for Essendon? Whose was Christian Zahra. He would have read the EBA. opinion are you going to take? His? Is it Danny Again I say: do not take it from me. It is in section 41.4. Pearson, QC? Is it Don Nardella, QC? Or do we take That is it. It is not made up; it is in the EBA — it is the opinion of Jack Rush, QC, a guy who knows more there in section 41.4. What about this one: section 45.15 about this topic, who has given plenty of advice to provides that firefighters cannot move between specific Victorians on this topic over the last few years and types of trucks during a shift unless agreed to by the whose opinion we should be taking? UFU. This is complete madness. It is completely outrageous. Mr Nardella interjected. Section 62.5 establishes a disputes panel and provides Mr GUY — I am not asking the member for Melton that if the chairperson of the panel vacates their to take my opinion. I am asking you to take his former position, the UFU must agree on the replacement, colleague André Haermeyer’s opinion, or the opinion requiring that, unless an incident is a level 3
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multi-agency incident, paid operational staff will be I say in conclusion that one side of this Parliament will unable to report to volunteer staff regardless of never sell out the CFA. One side of the Parliament will experience of the volunteer staff. This is dangerous, always stand up for the rights of volunteers. One side of because fires do not wait for volunteers or paid staff; this house will always stand up against external fires just happen. Having represented the Northern influences that would destroy the greatest volunteer Metropolitan Region in the upper house, which has firefighting organisation in Australia, and that side of seen a lot of bushfire activity in the last few years, I the house is the Liberal and Nationals parties. know, and my constituents in the northern part of the electorate know, that fire waits for no-one. Fire goes What we are seeing from this government today is the through communities. We cannot wait, we cannot have most unprecedented attack on volunteerism, and if it delay and we cannot have this kind of operational succeeds in Victoria it will go to Queensland because challenge. That is why the royal commissions in the the Palaszczuk government is looking at what is past have all said there should be one chain of happening here. It will go to South Australia because command, and anyone seeking to destroy that one chain the Weatherill government is looking at what is of command, as that part of the EBA certainly would, happening here. You can bet your life that Mark would be completely and utterly crazy to do that to McGowan in Western Australia is looking at this and country communities. that Luke Foley in New South Wales is looking at this, because the one thing we now know from Bill Shorten I simply say: the evidence is there. It has been written is that Labor’s attack on volunteerism is a national by the hand of the UFU. It has been endorsed by the attack on it, and it is going to take this side of the house cabinet of the Premier. It took a minister to stand up to once and for all stand up for what is right, and what and resign on principle and say, ‘The Premier is wrong; is right is defending the rights of our 60 000 volunteers the Premier is going to destroy volunteerism in this in the CFA in their time of greatest need — and that is state’, and he is doing it for all the wrong reasons. now.
We have seen the Premier come into this chamber and Mr MERLINO (Minister for Education) — Well, mislead it. We have seen the Premier appear on what a rant that was — what an utter rant! Spare me the Victorians’ TV screens and literally tell lies to people’s theatrics of the Leader of the Opposition! Those faces. We have had a Premier who has gone for weeks opposite are not interested in resolving this dispute. and weeks and never explained why he needs to gut the They are not interested in the interests of our CFA in order to put the UFU in charge of what should firefighters. All they are interested in is pitting be the greatest volunteer organisation in Australia. firefighter against firefighter for their own gain, There has never been from any Labor member any politically and financially. How much have you level of adequate explanation as to why we have got a raised — how much have those opposite raised in veto saying that the UFU will determine what kind of donations to the Liberal Party? What an utter uniform a volunteer can wear; why the UFU — a disgrace — raising money as a result of misinformation union, an external body — should say who can ride in a and lies. truck; why the UFU should say to volunteers, ‘You can’t go into parts of a fire station that the community Honourable members interjecting. fundraised for’. What a disgrace. The ACTING SPEAKER (Ms Ward) — Order! I Again, do not take that from me. I hear from the other call the house to order. I would actually like to hear side of the chamber again the kind of faux outrage you what the Deputy Premier is saying. get from those standing up for a union like the UFU. Go and ask the volunteers in the Lara CFA, who say Mr MERLINO — According to the Leader of the very clearly they will be locked out from parts of a fire Opposition, every — — station that their community helped fundraise to build. Mr Pesutto interjected. Is there a greater insult to our 60 000 volunteers than having those volunteers being locked out by the UFU Mr MERLINO — Settle down, John! According to from fire stations that they helped fundraise for through the Leader of the Opposition every career firefighter is schools, through churches, through the Country a thug, and every volunteer who dares to have a view Women’s Association and through volunteers’ that is different to the Leader of the Opposition’s is a donations. They helped fundraise, but they cannot ride ‘volunteer’ — in inverted commas. That is a direct in the trucks and they will not be able to wear the same quote from the Leader of the Opposition. So you are uniforms. It is 100 per cent a disgrace. either a thug, if you are a career firefighter, or you are a so-called volunteer if you have a view other than that of
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2754 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 22 June 2016 the Leader of the Opposition. That is the arrogant and Dixons Creek stated — and this is a good one: dismissive view of those opposite: so-called volunteers. Well, there are plenty of brigades that are not buying Dixons Creek rural fire brigade would like to assure the community that our primary focus is to protect the the lies and campaign of misinformation of the Liberal community as we have always done. This will not change, Party and that are reassuring their communities that under any circumstances. those communities need not fear the lies of those opposite. The Leader of the Opposition continued those The CFA — — lies today. To claim that volunteers will stand by and Honourable members interjecting. not be able to fight a fire until career firefighters arrive is a lie. It is a complete and utter lie. It is dangerous, Mr MERLINO — They do not like listening to and it is completely wrong. Do not take my word for it. this! Dixons Creek said further Here are comments from a few brigades. The CFA is comprised of volunteers and career staff. We Honourable members interjecting. work together, as a team. One cannot exist without the other. We fully support each other, in every emergency incident we The ACTING SPEAKER (Ms Ward) — Order! I respond to, as well as the day to day running of the brigade. would like to hear what is being said. I understand that We advise all community members to fully educate this is an issue that people are very passionate about, themselves on the EBA for UFU members, to ensure you are but I think it would be useful for everyone in this place all fully informed and aware of the factual information to actually hear what is being said. available. So, are Dixons Creek volunteers ‘so-called volunteers’? An honourable member interjected. Are they ‘volunteers’ — in inverted commas? Why do The ACTING SPEAKER (Ms Ward) — Order! I not those opposite get up next and answer that also ask members not to reflect on the Chair. question? Dixons Creek also stated: Dixons Creek rural fire brigade is in no way affiliated with Mr MERLINO — I want to get some comments the UFU (United Firefighters Union). from brigades on the public record. Warragul fire brigade stated: Narre Warren fire brigade CFA stated:
The Warragul fire brigade would like to reassure our … we wanted to not only reassure our local community, but community that the current CFA EBA — also the broader Victorian community of our position, and state some facts. Country Fire Authority enterprise bargaining agreement — Narre Warren … is a fully volunteer brigade. We will continue to service not only our community, but the broader negotiations will have no effect on our ability to provide fire Victorian community with the commitment and passion that and emergency response. we have always displayed since our establishment …
We have protected this town for over 130 years and will We have a broad membership of over 100 people, all with continue to do so into the future. Our focus has always been, different viewpoints, however we as a brigade will continue and will always be, on our service delivery to our community; to support our surrounding brigades, both integrated … or regardless of the outcome. fully volunteer as we always have. Regardless of the outcome! The Stratford fire brigade … stated: CFA is a unique organisation that simply could not exist if it wasn’t for the joint passion, commitment and dedication of … the current CFA EBA negotiations will have no effect on both volunteer and career firefighters. One simply cannot our ability to provide fire and emergency response. operate without the other. Devon Meadows fire brigade stated that the So those others, they are the thugs that you have been ‘negotiations will have no effect’: attacking — that is what you are saying.
Our focus has always been and will always be on providing a Mr Wakeling — On a point of order, Acting professional fire service regardless of the outcome of these Speaker, I would call on the minister to explain to his negotiations. local volunteers why he lied to 10 members of his local Allans Flat fire brigade, reassuringly stated: brigade when he said that they would be consulted regarding the EBA. Perhaps the minister would be able our community that the current, well-publicised CFA … to consult and explain to the public why he did that. negotiations will have no effect …
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The ACTING SPEAKER (Ms Ward) — Order! Another example of how CFA volunteers (Noble Park) and There is no point of order. I ask the member to resume staff (Dandenong) are working together to keep us safe and protect our communities. his seat. From Mount Martha CFA: Mr MERLINO — So the sleepy member for Ferntree Gully — — The brigade was called out to this car fire on Thursday 2/6 …
Mr Wakeling interjected. The car was well alight when our crew got on scene and was supported immediately by Mornington fire brigade …
Mr MERLINO — Okay. Well, how about the A great effort by our volunteer firefighters working alongside Upwey fire brigade? It stated: the career firefighters — … the current CFA negotiations that you are hearing in the those the opposition call thugs — media have no effect on our ability to provide fire and emergency response. from Mornington. … From Doreen CFA: Upwey fire brigade — … the current CFA EBA negotiations have no effect on our in my electorate — ability to provide fire and emergency response. … is a volunteer fire brigade who works in harmony with career and volunteer CFA members. Doreen … is a volunteer brigade who works collaboratively with career and volunteer CFA firefighters from across the Honourable members interjecting. state. Mr MERLINO — No, they do not want to hear … this. The Upwey brigade further said: We work together, as a team. We support each other in every emergency incident we respond to. At times we respond with partner agencies such as SES, Ambulance Victoria, Victoria Police, DELWP, MFB, Parks Vic and local government. From Ararat fire brigade:
We work as one. … no members from our brigade say they want to walk away, so again I would like to reassure — That is what my volunteer brigades are saying. From this is the captain writing — Wallan CFA: the community that as always, we are still here for you and … we will continue to provide the same level of service to will continue to be. our community as we have always done, regardless of any ongoing political issues. From Kerang fire brigade:
From Ballarat CFA: … nothing changes no matter what happens; the fire siren will still go and we’ll still turn out … The Ballarat fire brigade will continue to respond to incidents and will continue to do this. We will not compromise the public safety at all.
Our members have joined the brigade to serve the community … and to protect life and property. We are 100 per cent volunteers, we run our own fires From Langwarrin CFA: completely and that’s not going to change. … business as normal, and we will continue working with our Again, from Warragul fire brigade: neighbouring brigades as normal. Today CFA career firefighters from Traralgon … joined us to From Noble Park CFA on 14 June: practice and train utilising Traralgon’s aerial appliance, by undertaking practical training drills in the Warragul CBD. It This morning Noble Park and Dandenong CFA were called to was great to have the career staff here to share their assist Victoria Police with removing approximately knowledge and experience in the operation of this appliance; 100 passengers from a peak hour Metro train, after a power another great example of volunteers and career staff working cable malfunction at the Chandler Road level crossing. together to keep your community safe. From Langwarrin CFA:
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We have been made aware of some political campaigning in Mr MERLINO — That is right; CFA management Langwarrin promoting ‘hands off CFA’. We would like our sent it to the independent umpire. That is what it community to know that we were not involved in this campaign in any way, and we remain 100 per cent apolitical. wanted. Each and every clause has gone through the Fair Work Commission. The independent umpire has Our focus remains on protecting the community of made recommendations, including a specific provision Langwarrin and supporting our neighbours. within the agreement that says that the agreement will There are so many brigades right across the state not have an effect on volunteers. So we have as a reassuring their communities — and they need to government resolved to support that and resolved to because of the lies and the misinformation of those finalise this agreement and to support the opposite. They are making the point that career recommendations of the Fair Work Commission. We firefighters and volunteer firefighters work together. have also ensured that there will be that specific They always have and they always will. provision in the agreement.
We will resolve this dispute because this is a dispute We have got Craig Lapsley as the emergency that has gone on well over 1000 days. We are not management commissioner to oversight the prepared to go into another fire season with this dispute implementation of the agreement and report back to ongoing. We have determined to resolve this dispute. It government and report back publicly, and we have a is now with the CFA board. There will be consultation path to the Fair Work Commission if it is needed. We with volunteers. It will go to the vote of our career are going to set up a collaborative consultative firefighters. It will go to the commission for ratification, committee with our volunteer firefighters and our and life will go on. It will not have an impact on our career firefighters and management. Those opposite volunteer brigades across the state. The 1200 volunteer want to continue the dispute. That is not in the interests brigades will not be impacted by this agreement. of Victoria. It is not in the interests of the safety of communities across Victoria. We will end the dispute. What we will not do is whip up a disgraceful scare campaign, pitting firefighter against firefighter. What Mr WALSH (Murray Plains) — I rise to support the we will not do is attack volunteer firefighters who have matter of public importance submitted by the member a different view as ‘volunteers’ — that is the quote of for Bulleen, the Leader of the Opposition here in the year from the Leader of the Opposition. What we Victoria. It is interesting to be lectured to by the will not do is create fear in communities by spreading minister, the Deputy Premier, the person who thought dangerous lies that fires will not be dealt with by the protective services officers (PSOs) were plastic police. people that are first responding to the fire. What we will He had absolutely no respect for PSOs when he was in not do is claim on social media, like the Leader of the opposition, and he has got no respect for volunteers Opposition did, that firefighters were campaigning for now that he is in government — absolutely no respect Labor, when in fact it was a photo of recruit firefighters at all. undertaking wildfire training. Lies, lies, lies — that is This very sad story of a lack of respect for volunteers all we get from those opposite. What we will not do is by the government goes back to and starts before the claim that volunteers are resigning from brigades such 2014 election. I quote from Peter Marshall, who was as Monbulk, when in fact no-one has left. The Leader reported in the Red Flag magazine of the Socialist of the Opposition will say and do anything, and why? Alternative. Peter Marshall bragged about the fact that For opposition members’ own political advantage and, he had 723 firefighters manning booths for the Labor disgracefully, to raise money for the Liberal Party. That Party at the last state election. He bragged about how is what they are doing. the United Firefighters Union (UFU) members had This has been a long-running, spiteful, bitter dispute, doorknocked 43 000 homes on behalf of the Labor and I am not prepared to go into another fire season Party. So that is what this is all about. This is about with this hanging over our heads. Each and every political payback to the UFU, who doorknocked and clause in this agreement has gone through the who manned booths for the Labor Party at the last state independent umpire, which is the appropriate process. election. This is all about political payback, and When you have a dispute, when you have an EBA that unfortunately the volunteers are collateral damage in cannot be concluded with the parties, it goes to the the bullying of the Premier and the Minister for independent umpire. That is what happened in Emergency Services. November last year — it headed off to the independent As the Leader of the Opposition quoted, you can go umpire. through quote after quote of people who have said that Ms Allan interjected. this enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA) is illegal
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and discriminatory. All the experts are saying that, but … the CFA cannot employ operational staff on a part-time or the government will not take any notice of those casual basis unless the UFU agrees. particular people. If you go through some of the clauses How can they run an organisation if they have got to in the EBA and look at 15.1 and 16.1, they are: rely on the UFU to make sure that they can actually do … requiring that changes to structure and roles in the brigade their job? administrative and volunteer support services must be agreed by the UFU. Clause 94.6 says: In my language and anyone else’s language, that is a Changes to amenities (including facilities for meals, veto that has been put into this particular EBA. That is refreshments, recreation, rest and recline) or access to communications must be agreed by the UFU. most definitely a veto. I do not know how the Premier or the minister can say that that is not a veto. So volunteers who have been out on the fireground and come back cannot go into those facilities unless the If you go to 41.1, it is: UFU agrees. … requiring the CFA to hand over full access of its email system database to UFU, and providing the UFU with Recently I had an example from one of the volunteer unrestricted use of it. firefighters I was talking to about this particular process. They were actually in Bendigo on Black It is a breach of the privacy of all Country Fire Saturday. We know that there was a fire there and that Authority (CFA) volunteers that their data is going to there were fatalities in Bendigo with that fire. On their be handed across to the union. We know what will rest break they went back to the Bendigo fire station. happen there. If someone disagrees with the UFU, they They actually wanted to use the conveniences in the fire will be hounded, they will be punished, they will be station. They were caught short, and they wanted to use victimised and they will no doubt be bullied and the conveniences. They were told that that was the potentially physically assaulted. We know what union toilet and that volunteers cannot use that happened at polling booths where there were UFU particular toilet. That is the sort of thing that went on members. If people actually wanted to take a Liberal back in 2009, before we had this EBA. It will be worse card, they were intimidating them. They were after this EBA happens. You will not be allowed to use threatening them with violence. That is what happened the toilets and you will not be allowed to use the at polling booths. And there have been official lunchroom unless it is condoned. If you go to quite a complaints about that. Those on the other side might few of the integrated stations, you will see there are want to put their heads in the sand and not realise that, demarcation lines in those stations as to where the but there have been official complaints about bullying volunteers can go, because the paid firefighters do not at polling booths by UFU members. want those particular people.
Clause 45.15 is: Mr Nardella — What a lot of rot.
… providing that firefighters cannot move between specific Mr WALSH — That is not rubbish. You go and types of trucks during a shift unless agreed by the UFU. have a look, Don. Again, how is that not a veto on management decisions by the CFA management? If it is not a veto, I do not Mr Nardella interjected. know what is. Mr WALSH — You sit up the back there, If you go through the EBA, there are somewhere bellowing all the time. You get out there and actually between 50 and 60 clauses that effectively are a veto have a look at what happens out there, instead of against management decisions as to how the CFA runs. bellowing up there all the time. The CFA is probably one of the world’s best volunteer As I said, this is all about political payback. The Deputy organisations, and it is respected as probably the best Premier, the minister, is very keen to put some quotes firefighting agency anywhere in the world. That is all on the record. Can I put a quote on the record from being put at risk for political payback to the UFU and to Lachlan Gales, who is a Wangaratta deputy group Peter Marshall for all those resources that were put into officer and volunteer? It is from the Border Mail on the election back in 2014. 20 June:
If you go to clauses 51.3, 51.6.5 and so on, they say: ‘We’re appalled that a boy from Wangaratta — the Premier —
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would be at the heart of this problem, which is going to tear about was respect. If we want to talk about respect in apart not only the fabric of our CFA, but impact our local this debate, then respect means not lying to our communities’, he said. communities. Respect is not about inciting division and ‘There’s a big picture out there, there’s a game being hatred and intolerance. Respect is about respect for our played — we are all pawns in a greater game which Daniel communities, and respect is about listening to our Andrews hasn’t explained’. communities. Let me start on this issue about respect, I explained that earlier. That is about the fact that there and that is hearing from members of our community. I were 723 UFU members manning polling booths in received a message via Facebook recently, and I would 2014. It is about the fact that the UFU doorknocked like to read that message out: 43 000 homes in 2014. That is what Lachlan Gales in Hi Sonya, Just a quick note to say thank you for your … post Wangaratta needs to understand, that this is just about supporting all firefighters. I am a career firefighter with the political payback. CFA …but also a volunteer member with my local community where I reside … One of those people who has probably been very I’d like to think I have a bit of an understanding how both supportive of this government over the last nearly two parties feel (volunteers and paid staff) and in no way do I years would be Peter Tuohey, the president of the consider myself a so-called ‘union thug’ as we have been Victorian Farmers Federation. If you go to today’s reported in the media. Indeed, I would describe myself as Weekly Times and to the story by Kath Sullivan, it starts someone who just loves life, my family and friends and what off, ‘The dumbest thing possible’. It goes on to say: I do for a living. Unfortunately this attempted division and subsequent ‘The government has lost the respect of just about everyone in denigration of relationships have taken their toll on me rural Victoria’, Mr Tuohey said. ‘I explained it was just about personally. I have lost one of my best mates because he the dumbest thing they could have possibly done’, he said of believes in what has been said in the media, I have been the government’s decision to dismiss the board last Friday. ostracised by my local volunteer brigade who would rather believe press reports than speak to me directly, and the I actually agree with Peter Tuohey 100 per cent; it is the situation has also put great strain on my personal life. Thank dumbest thing possible. If you look at this political you for your positive message to all firefighters in support of payback and those people who have stood up to the unity. Premier, who is an absolute bully, you will see a minister has lost her job, CEO Lucinda Nolan has lost Last week I also went and visited a number of volunteer her job and the board members have lost their jobs, Country Fire Authority (CFA) stations in my electorate, sacked and out the door for not signing an EBA that all and the message that I got from them was this: they just the experts said was illegal and actually discriminatory. want to continue to do the job they do best, and that is You had a board that wanted to employ a new CEO, to protect our communities and keep them safe. They and the government was very proud to appoint Lucinda do not want to be part of this divisive commentary that Nolan when she got that job. She was someone who is taking place now in our communities; they want to wanted to bring changes, wanted to bring cultural continue the good work they have always done, and diversity and wanted to get more women into the CFA. they have always worked in partnership with career What happened to them? They were all bullied out of firefighters. the job. They are gone. Unfortunately it is division that we are now seeing in What we are talking about in the matter of public our communities, and it is this division that is leading to importance today submitted by the Leader of the the hatred, the intolerance and, frankly, a breakdown in Opposition, the member for Bulleen, is an issue of that social fabric. As I said previously, as leaders in the political payback for a union that manned booths, community it is incumbent upon us to make sure that doorknocked, intimidated people, bullied people and we do all we can to stamp out that division and not to made sure the Labor Party actually won an election. create it, as those opposite have been doing. Now those opposite are beholden to a union, and this is Those opposite are inciting this division, and I can tell just the start. It will happen in other places in Australia. you it is not because they care about the CFA or the It will probably happen to other volunteer organisations volunteers or our community. If they cared about that, in Victoria. There is a real risk that we are going to lose would they have ripped the guts out of the CFA? the ethos of volunteers in Victoria because of a Premier Would they have shed 164 jobs? No, they certainly who is a bully and who does not want women in senior would not have. And if they cared, would they have positions in those organisations. tried to bury the atrocious conditions at Fiskville and Ms KILKENNY (Carrum) — We heard from the tried to sweep under the carpet the contamination which Leader of the Opposition earlier, and what he spoke impacted our volunteers and the local community? If
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they cared, would their shadow minister not have dispute in an effort to help it to resolve the matters in bothered to show up to the Fiskville inquiry? If those dispute. It was the Fair Work Commission that then opposite cared, would they have refused to act on asked the parties to identify between them what matters presumptive rights legislation? If they cared, would were not agreed. That left the Fair Work Commission they have ever said, ‘We are not convinced that there is with a list of matters that were not agreed, and that a direct link between cancer and the firefighters’? If became the subject of the commissioner’s inquiries. It they cared, would they have sat on the emergency was on that basis that the Fair Work commissioner medical response? If they cared, would they be handed down his recommendations on 1 June. spreading lies and inciting hatred amongst the community — lies on important issues like community Those recommendations very clearly protect the role of safety? I can tell you they do not care. They do not care volunteers and the important work they do. The about the CFA, and they do not care about our commissioner specifically recommended inserting an communities. overarching clause into the agreement in effect to underscore the fact that the agreement applies only to I will tell you what they care about, and that is 34 integrated stations and only to career firefighters. It fundraising. They care about a federal election coming is a lie to suggest that this agreement extends to those up, and they care about making sure that their Liberal 1200 CFA volunteer stations or that they are somehow mates in Canberra are getting the money they need to going to be impacted by this very specific employment run their campaigns. What they do not care about are agreement that applies to career firefighters. facts. Let us talk about some facts, shall we? Firefighters, career and volunteer, are hurting and our Many have made a lot about clause 36.4. That clause is community is the worse for it and is suffering. clear and contains the recommendation of the Firefighters, career and volunteer, have a single commissioner that volunteer incident controllers retain purpose, and that is to keep our communities safe. their discretion to manage resources and incidents. Anything else is a lie. In regard to the meaning of The work of firefighters can be dangerous, and we ‘seven on the fireground’, even Tony Abbott today in know that danger does not discriminate between career the newspaper gave a further lie about this point. Seven and volunteer firefighters. I recall the member for career firefighters will be dispatched to an incident — Frankston telling me a story. He was called out to an not on the ground. This applies only to integrated fire incident. It was a car accident. The victim in the stations, where the first responder or incident controller accident was a heavily pregnant woman. She was may decide that the second truck is not needed. trapped inside the car, and the member for Frankston told me that he knew the woman had lost her baby. He Finally, in regard to the so-called veto, these are had to stand there and hold her hand while it took over consultation clauses and they are standard in an hour to extract her from the vehicle, and all the time employment agreements. This employment agreement he was trying to reassure her that things were going to will contain an escalated dispute resolution procedure, be okay. which again is standard. To make this anything larger than that is a fabrication and a lie. I recall the story of a friend of mine who was a volunteer firefighter who fought in the Black Saturday Finally, just briefly, I would like to talk about diversity bushfires, and he had to visit home after home to place and equal opportunity. We have put the status of flags in the houses where bodies were found so that women front and centre in the Andrews Labor those coming after him could identify and remove the government. It is the centrepiece of our policy and bodies from those houses. It was not until several years legislative agenda. I actually find that those opposite later that he recognised the traumatic impact that had drawing on this issue in this context are belittling the had on him. Where was the minister back then during status of women and the important work that has been the Black Saturday fires? done in this area. That those opposite can raise this issue in the context of the CFA is at best disingenuous Here are some more facts. While this dispute continues, and at worst damaging to our objective of achieving and for as long as it continues, it distracts our gender equality in Victoria. If those opposite were firefighters from doing the job they need to do, and that serious about gender equality, we would see more is to keep our communities safe. women on their front bench and in fact on all their benches. Here are some more facts. It was the CFA that referred the matter to the Fair Work Commission. The CFA asked the Fair Work Commission to intervene in this
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We are not talking about thugs; we are talking about want to block a driveway and stop people going in and firefighters who have a very important role to keep our out of a CFA station I actually think should go directly communities safe. into that category. They should have been smart and blocked the driveway out and not the driveway in. That Mr BATTIN (Gembrook) — Automatically I would have made a bit of a difference to what their obviously support the member for Bulleen and this message was. However, they decided that was their matter of public importance, and I find it very position. interesting that the last contributor was speaking about diversity within the Country Fire Authority (CFA) and The CFA CEO is a very important role. The Labor was actually saying that we on this side are the ones government came in, it headhunted, it did its search and who are putting an imposition. I want to state that the it found Lucinda Nolan. Why did it choose Lucinda only quotes we have ever put in place are from the Nolan? Because she is a strong woman who has equal opportunity commissioner. It was the worked in emergency services, who has a fantastic commissioner who had put on the record that this history and who wanted to see general cultural change enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA) prevents through the CFA. She wanted to see change. I had the women from going into the CFA workforce. That was a pleasure of working under Lucinda Nolan, and the quote from her, not us. credit for her for what she did for Victoria Police is amazing. Now this government has forced out Lucinda In relation to the Fair Work commissioner and the Fair Nolan, the very person it brought in to fix the problems. Work Commission, if those opposite are 100 per cent Why did it do that? Why did it get rid of Lucinda right and supportive of the Fair Work Commission, Nolan? Because she stood up to the Premier and said, why has the Supreme Court put an injunction in place ‘You are wrong. You are trying to force through an on the agreement, preventing it from being signed until EBA that is against the law and against the CFA act’. today? The government has had to fold on its position and say, ‘We are going to have full consultation’. If you It is not only her. The CFA board has gone with this have a look at the media release that was sent out by the position. It is a well-respected board. We have Minister for Emergency Services, firstly, it has got the members on the other side on the record as speaking wrong website. The wrong website was listed on it — about the positives of this board, and that includes not a good start. The wording says that he will listen to positive comments about the acting chair, John their concerns — that is not a bad start — and then he Peberdy. There are about four or five Labor members will give them the facts. Never once in its own media who during the term of the last government spoke about release does the government mention consultation or their confidence in the CFA board. What changed in the that it is willing to change anything going forward. It is intervening period of time? What changed in the last simply just passing back the facts. few weeks so that those members who had full confidence in that board now want to get rid of it? I will There is one thing I will agree with the member for tell you what it was: the board would not fold to Daniel Melton on. The most important part of being a member Andrews’s demands to force through an EBA that is of this house is recognising that everybody deserves to unlawful and should not be there. have a voice and everybody should be heard. Just after the minister went out, unceremoniously sacked the I have a quote. Someone recently said that Daniel board and appointed a new one, I went down to the Andrews has shown an ‘arrogance and disregard’ he Berwick CFA station to give our position and do a could not remember seeing from a leader before. This media release. While I was there a phone call came person said that Daniel Andrews has given up the right through to the Berwick CFA volunteers from a United to be trusted because of the way he has handled this Firefighters Union (UFU) member who said, ‘We will dispute with the CFA. They said, ‘I don’t say this turn up out the front with trucks, and we will make sure lightly: I don’t trust him’. Neil Mitchell has had many you do not do this. You will do it at your own peril’. phone calls from volunteers, he has listened to them They were the words given to the first lieutenant at the and he has relayed their messages. It is vital that all Berwick CFA. Then they turned up and blocked the Victorians know this: we cannot trust him. driveway. I have a quote from Peter Tuohey of the Victorian Mr Richardson — Hearsay. Farmers Federation (VFF):
Mr BATTIN — With photos. They blocked the The Premier and his colleagues risk eroding all the good work driveway. I agree with those on the other side that not they’ve done in country Victoria if they side with the union and sign this deal with the unions. all CFA career firefighters are thugs, but ones who
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Again, a man who has come out in support of many The union’s absurd demands could lead to the CFA’s government initiatives is now saying that government 60 000 volunteers walking away. We have gone out to members should keep their hands off the CFA and stay the brigades, we have visited them across the state, and out of regional Victoria. the message is all the same: ‘Daniel Andrews, keep your hands off’. Country Women’s Association of Victoria president Machelle Crichton has said: Labor members can try to convince themselves that the EBA that has been put in place with veto conditions … these recommendations have the potential to put our will not affect volunteers, but it says all 50 conditions communities at risk. We are especially concerned for the safety of our rural families and their communities. must be agreed to. It does not give you an option. That is not consultation. It must be agreed to. Uniforms must The Crown counsel has said that it agrees with the be agreed to. Trucks must be agreed to. Operational Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights budgets must be agreed to. These are all things that will Commission that: fundamentally affect the way the system operates and the way volunteers can go about their job. … the clauses in the proposed agreement that prohibit or restrict part-time work are likely to indirectly discriminate With Labor funding this new CFA EBA, which will against employees who are women, pregnant, have the status of parent or carer, have a disability and possibly also older cost more than $600 million, up to $700 million, those people. funds have to come from somewhere. The government has a choice — it is going to be removing appliances It is not us saying this. These are people appointed by that are supposed to be going out to volunteer stations, the government who are saying this and saying it is the operational equipment that should be going to CFA discriminatory. Government members are out there stations, or it is going to be increasing the fire services saying that the coalition is running a scare campaign. I levy to regional Victorians and farmers, the ones the will take some credit for some of the things I can do, CFA is there to protect. but I do not think I could convince 60 000 volunteers, Jack Rush, the Victorian Equal Opportunity and In my hand I have got quote after quote from across this Human Rights Commission and the Crown counsel, state. I have had absolute pleasure in travelling across and I definitely could not convince the VFF. I could not the state and speaking to the hardworking volunteers convince all those out there about their views of what who get out there and protect our communities. We they are putting forward for the government. have gone out to rallies from Warrnambool to Wonthaggi, from Mildura down through to In a letter to the Age, Bob in Wonthaggi stated: Castlemaine. Everywhere we heard the same message: votes of no confidence in the Premier, discussions Daniel Andrews, for well over 50 years I have been a devoted Labor supporter. Nothing could induce me to vote Liberal. I about resignations and discussions about brigades am also a strong union supporter but when it comes to the separating themselves from the CFA. But the one CFA versus the fireys’ union … you are wrong. The CFA is message all of the volunteers sent back and all members entrenched in the country. We are dependent on the opposite need to take on board is that not one CFA volunteers and very proud of the wonderful job they do. If you continue with your ‘head in the sand’ attitude, you will volunteer wants to resign. Not one of them wants to lose enormous support in the country. This will be separate from the proud institution of the CFA that they remembered for many years to come. Listen and be strong have been involved with for many decades. They are enough to change your mind. proud of the work they have done. They deserve respect, and that respect has to start in this house. This is one of Labor’s supporters. This is a Labor Party supporter of 50 years who is telling Labor it has got it I ask the Premier to take the message on board. He does wrong, and it cannot even listen to him. have the opportunity to change his mind. He should get away from just listening to the volunteers, then There is a quote from Sharon and Terry Donovan, who changing his mind and putting his facts to them. He lost their accommodation business on Black Saturday: should actually undertake some genuine consultation. We feel the CFA is being railroaded and may become a The Supreme Court has told the government it is lapdog to the union … wrong. All of these people — Jack Rush, QC; it does not matter who you speak to — have said the What is happening is an insult to these special people. government is wrong. The government should take the They are saying: ‘Hands off our heroes, and leave the chance, come out on the front foot now and say it will CFA alone’. Volunteers, many of whom are farmers, stand with the CFA volunteers and protect them for the will not tolerate the union taking control of the CFA. future.
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I supported the member for Bulleen before, and I will additional firefighters being employed. I might also say support him again with one message. On this side of the that it was an election commitment of ours and one that house there is one thing we will not do; we will not go I am very proud we will see delivered. In my own against a volunteer in this state. We will support every electorate I have 37 brigades that are 100 per cent single one of them. Volunteers deserve that support, volunteers, and I am very supportive of each and every and now we are calling on the entire chamber to give one of those brigades and continue to be, as I am, I them that respect. might say, very supportive of volunteer organisations that stand ready to serve our community across my Ms THOMAS (Macedon) — What we have seen electorate, including the State Emergency Service, throughout the course of this week has been an including community emergency response teams and appalling politicisation of this issue by those on the including Red Cross volunteers, whose work in the other side with one end only in mind — that is, to get aftermath of disasters is absolutely vital. their mates in the federal Liberal party over the line on 2 July. That is what has been motivating them We all know that volunteers play an extraordinary role throughout this week, and they have shown no regard in our communities, and they will continue to do so. whatsoever for the damage they are doing in our Across my electorate volunteers are motivated by a community as they deliberately go about pitting desire to serve their communities and, I might add, by firefighter against firefighter, causing a great deal of the camaraderie that is part and parcel of being part of concern and unrest in our regional communities and one of these magnificent community organisations, be spreading lies and mistruths wherever they go. it the Country Fire Authority (CFA), the Country Women’s Association, Rotary, Lions or Girl Guides. As members of this house will know, my community of Despite the lies and misinformation being peddled by Macedon has been impacted many times by many those on the other side, none of this will change — not serious fires. Of course if we go back to Ash one bit. Wednesday, a day in 1983 that we will never forget, 47 people in Victoria died, 7 of whom were from my I will tell members what needs to change, and it needs own electorate of Macedon. At that time I know many to change straightaway — it is the lies and the fears that of us thought we would never see such a day again, but that mob on the other side are peddling for their own of course as members in this place all know too well, political advantage. I will tell you why it needs to stop, Black Saturday, 7 February 2009, is a day that we will and it needs to stop now. Today, in an article headed, never forget on which 173 people lost their lives — that ‘CFA crisis — firefighter handed a bullet shell “for the is, 173 people lost their lives despite the very best Premier’”, the Age reports: efforts of volunteer and career firefighters alike across our state. A career firefighter was handed a .22 bullet shell and faced a storm of abuse while collecting donations for local brigades, as public anger over the CFA dispute takes an ugly turn. We have heard none of this from those on the other side — that we stop for a moment and reflect on the Leading firefighter Alex Batty was among a group of career perilous circumstances of our state. Here we are in one and volunteer staff from the Traralgon CFA station … who of the most fire-prone places in the world. It is vital that were rattling CFA fundraising cans at traffic lights last week. Some motorists questioned whether the firefighters were we have the very best fire services in the world, and in career or volunteers before they donated, he said, and others order to do that we need our fire services working well erupted with vile abuse. together. We need our career firefighters and our volunteer firefighters working cooperatively together, ‘One particular person put a .22 shell in the donation bucket and said, “You can give that to the career staff and the as they have done over many years and on many Premier”,’ Mr Batty recounted to Fairfax Media. occasions and as they will continue to do so once that mob opposite stops its divisiveness in our community. ‘Another said, “Why the f—-would we donate to you … It is absolutely disgraceful. I say to those on the other side of the house: it is time As I was saying, many lessons were learnt from Black that you stop the lies. It is time to stop the Saturday following the comprehensive 2009 Victorian misinformation and join with us in moving forward to Bushfires Royal Commission, including, I might note, deliver the very best fire services that this state needs. the importance of employing more career firefighters to I support the Premier and the Minister for Emergency ensure that communities, particularly those in the outer Services and the action they have taken to end the urban fringe, have 24/7 support and protection. I note dispute with Victoria’s paid firefighters. One of the that the member for Yan Yean is in the chamber. It is challenges the government has faced is that for more communities like hers that will benefit from those
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than three years the CFA board was unable to reach an volunteers. In fact our state would never be able to enterprise bargaining agreement with its paid function as a state if it were not for our volunteers. workforce, and then, despite agreeing to refer the matter Whether they be scouts, the Red Cross, the Salvation to the Fair Work Commission, the board refused to Army, the State Emergency Service (SES) or lifesavers, accept the recommendations of the independent umpire. it is a mighty effort. Crucial to the safety of this state In my opinion this demonstrated clearly to me a failure are the Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteer and the to lead, and this is despite Commissioner Roe saying: career firefighter, so why does the Premier, who claims to put people first, go to extraordinary lengths to The role of volunteers in fighting bushfires and maintaining destroy the heart of the CFA by handing over effective community safety in delivering high-quality services to the public in remote and regional areas and in integrated stations control of the CFA to the United Firefighters Union is not altered by this agreement. (UFU)? This is not about Labor putting people first; it is about putting unions first. In Victoria the Premier These are the facts that those on the other side, the puts unions first. Labor will never be able to spin its members of the Liberal Party and the National Party, way out of this. Never, ever will Labor be able to spin refuse to acknowledge because it suits their dirty, its way out of this incompetence by its Premier and political purposes to be out there campaigning, taking government. down names, taking down email addresses and soliciting for money to fill their coffers ahead of the Some of the lies and the spin that Labor members have federal election. It is an absolute disgrace. started with is to accuse the previous coalition government of not settling the CFA enterprise As this house knows, the government commissioned a bargaining agreement (EBA) with the UFU. And they fire services review by former Tasmanian emergency are dead right. Do members opposite know why? It is services minister David O’Byrne, and most recently we because we said no to Peter Marshall. We were not have seen the Fiskville inquiry report tabled in this going to roll over and allow the UFU to just bulldoze house. Both of these reports point to serious leadership, every single thing the CFA chief fire officer said. What management and workplace culture issues that need to has been forgotten as part of the lead-up to this dispute be addressed by the CFA. Only those on this side of the is that in 2010 the Brumby government did a sneaky house, only the Premier and only the Minister for side deal with the UFU to give the union a whole heap Emergency Services, have a plan and have the will to of extra powers and money. It was a sweetheart deal, ensure that we have the very best Country Fire and in regard to the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) it Authority equipped and funded with protection for meant that the UFU had effective control over the career firefighters and protection for volunteer MFB. So what did we have to do between 2010 and firefighters. We will take their health and safety 2014? We had to sort out the mess between the UFU seriously. We will implement presumptive rights and the MFB. So, yes, Labor members are right. We legislation. That lot on the other side fobbed that off. had to go to the Fair Work Commission because the They denied the link between cancer and firefighting. UFU was using its power to veto the chief fire officer’s They have sold career and volunteer firefighters out at determinations. every step of the way. Let me give you some examples. The chief fire officer As I said, I will finish, Deputy Speaker, but I did want at the MFB wanted to move a truck from fire station A to end on this note: the behaviour of that lot on the to fire station B. The union said no. And just remember, other side with their campaign, including the registering this is the same deal that those opposite want to put on by the Liberal Party of a website that purports to be an the CFA. This is the same deal, and this is how veto independent website and the soliciting for campaign powers work. The chief fire officer had said, ‘It would funds, shows the utmost disrespect to CFA volunteers. be more effective to move this truck to this fire station’. It shows absolute disrespect to the community of The union said no. So we had to take it to the Fair Victoria, and to be lectured by those on the other side Work Commission — can you believe it? — to get the about governance — by a mob whose own former state truck moved from station A to station B. secretary is now in jail on account of stealing $1.5 million — is an absolute disgrace. It gets worse. We had brand-new, world-class appliances ready to go to fight fires, but the UFU would Mr WELLS (Rowville) — At the last election the not sign them off. For 12 months we battled with the now Premier went to the Victorian people with a Labor UFU. Again we had to take it to the Fair Work slogan saying, ‘Putting people first’. It sounds good, but Commission to get world-class appliances put into words are one thing; it is action that people will judge service. But the one that always confuses me is a you on. The backbone of this great state in part is our situation when the MFB wanted to roll out a new
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version of Windows for its PCs. Guess what? The UFU regard to both career and volunteer firefighters. During said no. Can you believe that we had to go to the Fair the 2010 to 2014 period Labor talked about Work Commission to upgrade Windows for the PCs? It presumptive legislation but only ever for the career is hard to believe. firefighters. It never, ever mentioned that it was going to bring presumptive legislation in for volunteers. It But let me tell you about the most disgraceful one of was only ever for career firefighters. We made the the lot. We had a heatwave in January 2014, and that commitment — — meant that all hands had to be on deck. Whether it be the SES, the ambulance services, the firefighters, the Ms Green interjected. doctors or the hospitals, everyone had to be on deck. There was no question about it. The MFB, to its credit, Mr WELLS — Yes, we can see that the member said, ‘We’re going to add an extra 30 people — for Yan Yean is going to want to rewrite history, but the 30 firefighters — to the cause to assist those elderly facts are that the Liberal coalition with the National people who are sick and need a first responder to get Party was absolutely committed to presumptive there to make sure they are okay’. And what happened? legislation, but it had to include the volunteers. It The UFU black-banned nine trucks. At the height of the absolutely had to include the volunteers, and we went heatwave the union had nine trucks black-banned. That to the election absolutely committed to that. is an absolutely disgraceful situation. While every ambulance, the SES and everyone else was on full duty, I heard the new emergency services minister a couple the UFU banned nine trucks during the heatwave. And of days ago saying that there was not one veto in the that is a disgraceful situation. EBA agreement that the UFU has pushed forward. Are we reading a different document to what the Do you know what we had to do? We had to go back to government has? the Fair Work Commission in order to get those nine trucks back on the road and to make use of the An honourable member — He’s not reading it. 30 people — 30 firefighters — who could have been Mr WELLS — Someone is not reading it. We have making a big difference in keeping Victoria safe. Can been reading it, and there are almost 60 veto powers for you believe it? That is what the UFU did to try to shut the UFU in the way that the CFA is going to run its down the decision made by the chief fire officer that business. In other words, before the chief fire officer that was what should happen. It is that same deal with makes a decision, whether it be on uniforms, training or the MFB that they are going to template onto the CFA. moving a truck from one area to another, he has to get The union will have ultimate veto powers over the chief the UFU to tick it off. That is a ridiculous, pathetic, fire officer. We even had to go to the Fair Work disgraceful way of running an organisation. In a time of Commission to get the UFU to bargain in good faith. a massive fire what you need is to make sure that you Can you believe it? We had to go to the commission to have a single line of command so that everyone get that. understands what is going on, otherwise lives will Another Labor lie that members opposite are very keen absolutely be lost. to push forward is that we cut the CFA budget. It is What the Labor Party has done in regard to the CFA blatantly wrong. It is factually wrong. It is factually board, which was there to look after the CFA in its incorrect. Labor believes that if you say it often enough, entirety, and the CEO is nothing short of a disgrace. the people of Victoria are going to believe it. Every This is going to haunt the Labor Party, the Premier and single year we put forward a record amount of CFA the Minister for Emergency Services until the 2018 funding for the CFA budget. In fact in 2011–12 we election, and I cannot wait to make sure that we are added an additional amount on top of the budget to fighting tooth and nail for the CFA volunteers. implement the bushfires royal commission’s recommendations. We gave it an additional amount on Ms WARD (Eltham) — I rise today in anger. I rise top. So to say that we cut anything in regard to the CFA with absolute anger and disgust. I am so upset at the budget is false and is another Labor Party lie. Every division and deep hurt that this opposition is creating single year the coalition government budgeted more across our state. It is absolutely despicable. For those money than Labor ever budgeted. opposite to say that nobody on this side of the house understands or cares about Country Fire Authority In regard to presumptive legislation, we made it very (CFA) volunteers is not only a lie; it is disgraceful. clear, and the member for Warrandyte made it very clear when he tabled documents, that we were Like many in this house, I had childhood friends who absolutely committed to presumptive legislation in lost children on Black Saturday. My daughter’s friend
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lost her aunt, uncle and two cousins on Black Saturday. This was presented to the Fiskville board. This was We even, if you can believe it, lost ALP members on presented to Mr Peberdy, who is now standing up and Black Saturday. We well understand exactly how being counted as standing up for volunteers. Where was important our volunteer firefighters are, just as we he in 2010, as a member of that board, to say, ‘There’s understand how important our career firefighters are. a problem here’? Where was he in 2011? Where was he All firefighters are important, and they all deserve to be in 2012? Where was he throughout the whole time that treated with respect, not this claptrap and disrespectful he was on the CFA board? He was missing in action. and politically motivated rubbish we hear from those He was not defending volunteers, and he was not opposite. defending career firefighters. He was not looking after the people who need to be looked after because they are They should be hanging their heads in shame at this looking after us. They are looking after this whole politically motivated campaign, which, as we have community. heard today, is payback. How clearly do they know how many career firefighters were out at polling booths Let me read out some of the things that were said by and went doorknocking? They know it extremely well. volunteer firefighters to the Fiskville inquiry. Trevor This is them paying back career firefighters for standing Lansdown, who was a volunteer for 27 years, said that up for their rights and for being heard — for telling the a toxic culture ‘runs through the CFA from top to Liberal Party that it had it wrong, that it had not bottom’. He spoke about the mantra ‘the trees have resolved their enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA) ears’, where anything you said on or off duty would be despite having two years to do it and that it was treating used against you if an instructor had it in for you. He the fire services with disrespect. This is the reward they said: get for standing up for not only their own rights but the needs of all Victorians. What they get is absolute These actions built a culture of keep quiet and pull your head in; this culture was also evident in instructors and other disrespect, lies and scaremongering. employees of the CFA and Fiskville in general. As I have said before in this house, all those opposite Andrew Bishop, who has been a volunteer for many, understand is how to whip up the fear in people. The many years, raised concerns about safety that came to only way they know how to govern or try to get into fruition on a fire exercise. A telephone call was then government is through fear and lying. They do not made by his instructor to the then regional headquarters know how to make policy. They do not know how to complaining that he had questioned the chain of put money into services where it is needed. command. Leonard Wyhoon, a volunteer since 1984, held concerns about the lack of record keeping due to In my own community volunteers work well with safety. Darren Miller, who is a career firefighter, said: career firefighters. We had volunteer firefighters from Diamond Creek train at the integrated station at Eltham. During my attendances, I followed normal ‘good hygiene’ Last night we had volunteers from nine volunteer practices but at no stage was I ever told of a danger to me in brigades training at Eltham with career firefighters, the water supply at Fiskville. learning how to use new firefighting foams. And do CFA publishes many ‘safety alerts’. I am yet to this day to see you know why it is important they know how to use one on the danger of water contamination at my training new firefighting foams? It is because the firefighting college! foams used at Fiskville were polluted — they were It was not just the culture that was toxic; as we all chemically toxic — and the CFA kept using those know, it was the environment. foams. Mr Lansdown also said that there was no respiratory While I am talking about Fiskville, let us go through the protection and that black soot in ‘great amounts’ came myriad of concerns about what went on at Fiskville that out of his nose after drills. Mr Wyhoon reported the those opposite ignored for the four years they were in same and coughing up stained sputum. Mr Miller said: government and that those opposite did nothing about. Those opposite ripped $6 million out of Bangholme so The handling of this OHS issue by CFA management and the that they could put money into Fiskville to build new VFBV has destroyed my faith in the organisation to protect apartments that were rarely used by volunteers or career me or even to inform me of a clear and present danger! staff. They did not pay one iota towards cleaning up Statements of ‘a safety-first organisation’ appear to be just hollow words. Fiskville. This was despite Airservices Australia in 2010 withdrawing $12 million of investment from Mark Lyons, a Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) Fiskville, including a water recycling plant, because it instructor, reported the water in the dams was used to did soil testing and it was too polluted.
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clean personnel as well as cool breathing apparatus. He fear, as those opposite have done, is an absolute said: disgrace.
Very little care was taken regarding exposure to this water I will tell you what else the CFA is not spending money because of CFA management reassurances. on. It is not spending money making sure there are And perhaps the most damning statement of the breathing apparatus supply tanks — mobile units that cover-up came from Tony Ford, a career firefighter, can be filled — going around from community to who said: community. Eltham has to currently cover from Eltham to Sunbury because the Sunbury one is out of operation, Even the cottages that we used for our accommodation had and this is something that was provided for by the signs on the walls warning us not to drink the water. volunteers. Eltham supplies up to 15 volunteer brigades. They replace their breathing apparatus and fill Let us talk about the money that was spent by CFA them up every time they are needed. Radios do not board members between 2010 and 2013, when I think work properly. If firefighters are in a building, and they around about $250 000 was spent on things like going go in different directions, they cannot hear each other to the Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld and things like because the radios do not work because they are 60-cent parking meters — things that were not substandard. investing in CFA volunteers or career firefighters. They just spent money where they wanted to. The fire We have trucks that are out of action that have to get services review found that there were issues. The parts imported from France, which can take up to six Fiskville inquiry found that there were issues with the weeks, while the fire truck just sits idly by, not being way the CFA was managed. The CFA board had to be used. This is the mismanagement that the CFA has held accountable for its lack of care of firefighters, both indulged in for far too long, and it is time for it to stop. volunteer and career. It is time for those opposite to start being real politicians and actually create real policies that help I also want to talk about the shocking language that people, instead of this disgusting divisive work that it is those opposite have been using, which has been doing. I stand here in support of my volunteer allowed to continue on throughout the community. The firefighters, and I stand here in support of my career member for Macedon referred to this. This is a cynical, firefighters. cheap and divisive campaign by the Liberal Party; let there be no question of this. It registered its ‘Hands off Ms McLEISH (Eildon) — I rise to join the debate the CFA’ website in April. It is using extreme language on this matter of public importance (MPI), and indeed a and not letting the facts get in the way. The Leader of matter of public importance it is — that of our the Opposition has already been busted numerous times 60 000 strong Country Fire Authority (CFA) for tweeting falsehoods. He blocked Thomas Parkes, a volunteers. I represent 51 brigades from Acheron volunteer firefighter, on Twitter because he called the through to Yellingbo, across four districts: 12, 13, 14 opposition leader out on his disgraceful use of the CFA and 23. I will certainly acknowledge that a number of as a political football. The opposition leader is very thin those brigades have members who are employed by the skinned, is he not, Deputy Speaker? He followed up CFA and also members who are employed by the and he lied about the minister’s visit to Mildura Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB). The enterprise firefighters. The language that is being used, including bargaining agreement (EBA) that is the centre of the words around war, is extreme — this state is not at war. MPI today is indeed contentious because it has some There is no war, there is a negotiation around an EBA 60 clauses of veto, and what this does is actually open that is currently being settled. up old wounds that in some cases have been festering for a long time. It creates tensions between the career There is a great deal of carry-on from those opposite firefighters and the volunteer firefighters, who have had about the lack of volunteer firefighters being heard. to work beside each other for a long time. That is not Where were they when the CFA wrote to the Fair Work fair. It is so not fair that the volunteers are caught up in Commission saying that Volunteer Fire Brigades a paid-staff EBA. There are no winners here unless you Victoria had no role to play in the negotiations because are a staunch United Firefighters Union (UFU) it was a negotiation between employer and employees. member — and I know that not all career firefighters I suspect that those opposite who have no concern for are. I have certainly spoken to some who are not, and workers do not really understand how an EBA works. they are the ones, along with the volunteers, who are Let me tell those members how they work: an employer particularly distressed. Our firefighters do great work negotiates with an employee. To drum up this frenzy of and they need to work together, and they need to respect each other absolutely.
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I just want to reflect on the history of the CFA. The Strangely enough, in May this year during National CFA came together some 70 years ago in 1945 Volunteer Week, the Premier announced that the following a royal commission around the 1939 bush Andrews Labor government had signed a statement on fires. But brigades have been around a lot longer than working with volunteer-based agencies to support that. People in local areas joined forces to create a bit volunteerism in Victoria. I can tell members that what more strength around their own firefighting capability he signed — the emergency management volunteer locally and then the brigades grew around that. In my statement, which acknowledges the contribution of electorate Kangaroo Ground is perhaps the longest some 100 000 volunteers, of which 60 per cent are CFA continuously operating rural brigade, having operated volunteers who protect communities before, during and since 1892; Healesville has been in operation since after emergencies — is clearly not worth the paper it is 1894; Mansfield is having its 125th anniversary next written on because completely hypocritically, just over month, having been formed in 1891; Warburton has a month later, the Premier bullied a minister who had had a centenary; Murrindindi-Woodbourne was formed the bravery and the strength to stand up against him and in 1920; Strath Creek was formed in 1926 — and I he bullied a CFA board that stood up for what it could go on. They are brigades that have been formed believed was right, so he could push through what he by communities. They have been community led and wanted. driven for a very long time. This is an attack on communities and an attack on When they banded together to protect their volunteers, but it is not just an attack by the Premier. It communities, often what happened was that farmers is also an attack by cabinet, because once the Premier would slice off a bit of land. They would slice off removed the previous minister, then he got maybe a quarter of an acre, and the Cooper family in consensus — unanimous agreement around the table. Whanregarwen did this; in Thornton it was the Barton He got rid of the dissenting and gutsy voice, so it is the Gilmore family; and in Koriella it was Bob Briggs, as it members of the entire cabinet of the government who was likewise in Homewood. Volunteers have helped are responsible for this. with construction and working bees over decades, and mostly they have helped out financially. They have An EBA spells out the terms and conditions of volunteered to raise funds to purchase gear. They may employment, but I think the current EBA goes well own a truck, they may own a slip-on vehicle or they beyond a workplace agreement. It hands control to a may own particular apparatus or equipment. I grew up union — to the UFU — and many members of the around the Limestone fire brigade, where my father UFU are indeed militant. I talk to people all the time was a volunteer for 45 years. who work at integrated stations or who have interaction with a lot of these union members, and they describe In my electorate of Eildon, the CFA brigades often absolute bullying. Some of the people that are form the heart of their communities, where towns like describing this are certainly not on my side of politics. Barjarg or Maindample that have no post office, town Even on the weekend somebody who is a strong hall, football club or pub have a CFA shed, and unionist said that the UFU is now out of control with likewise Glenburn, Hoddles Creek, Molesworth, these demands and that it needs to be fixed. He had Murrindindi and Yellingbo. There is limited very little regard for how members of the Andrews infrastructure, but you can bet your life they have a government would ever be able to do this, because they shed. The culture and spirit of volunteerism is were the root cause of this decision. self-motivated and self-led. I want to have a look at some of the clauses of the Volunteers give of their time and money freely and EBA. Clauses 15.1 and 16.1 require that changes to have managed with little direction from governments structure and roles in the brigade administrative and and other institutions. That is why a union takeover of volunteer support services must be agreed by the UFU. the CFA hurts. It lays waste to that spirit by imposing Imagine that in a regular workplace. Imagine that senior suffocating controls on what volunteer firefighters can management is trying to drive change and trying to and cannot do. Without our volunteer firefighters our bring about efficiencies and productivity gains, and the rural communities will be put at a huge risk. Without staff say, ‘No, you can’t make those changes unless you volunteers the Victorian government could never have the union tick it off’. That is extraordinary. possibly employ enough emergency services workers to protect our state, our properties and our lives. That is Clause 41.1 requires the CFA to hand over full access why it is so important that we continue to recognise and of its email system and database to the UFU and value the contribution that volunteers make to Victoria. provides that the UFU will have unrestricted use of it. Why does the UFU want all the emails of all of the
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volunteer base? It is because the union wants to take it ever seeing him at any of my CFA stations. I could be over — absolutely — and this is the first step. We wrong — maybe there were one or two occasions at heard people saying, ‘It’s not going to change’. Well, it election time — but he was certainly never there might not change at the minute, because government standing up for the CFA when its members needed new members want to appease people and to lead them into stations and new equipment. I do not recall him being a false sense of security that it will not change, but let on the job. I do not recall that at all. us go a couple of years down the track. Heaven forbid that members of this government get another term in This MPI purports to be about the settling of an government! What are they going to do then? This is a enterprise bargaining agreement between the CFA and real risk, because members of this government may not the workforce of career firefighters. That is what it make the changes now, but they will set up the structure purports to be, but this MPI is just another tactic in a so that this can happen smoothly in the future. I get out dishonest, despicable, divisive and destructive there, and I hear constant talk of what happened in the campaign by the coalition which is purely about 1970s and the 1980s. Race Matthews was out there shifting votes to their coalition counterparts in the trying to lead the charge to merge the CFA and the forthcoming federal election. What we have heard from Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB), but that was other members is that it is not just about shifting votes; knocked on the head pretty substantially. it is actually about shifting dollars. It is about shifting dollars from Mr and Mrs Average, separating them I turn to another clause of the EBA. Clause 45.15 from their hard-earnt — — provides that firefighters cannot move between specific types of trucks during a shift unless agreed by the UFU. Ms Ryall — Deputy Speaker, I draw your attention What a crock that is! There must be a whole heap of to the state of the house. scenarios where this would happen. Somebody may be The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The house out on a fireground and may need to move to a different destination. A person might have a particular type of had a quorum recently, so there is no point of order. skill — but no, the union has to sign it off first. Gosh! The honourable member, to continue. In the middle of an emergency, how do you think the Ms GREEN — Thank you very much, Deputy union is going to do that? And what delays is that going Speaker. That someone who does not know anything to bring? about the CFA is trying to shut down debate is I turn to one of the more bizarre clauses, clause 69.3, absolutely unbelievable. which provides that only firefighters can be appointed What we have heard from this divisive opposition is as fitness leaders responsible for taking fitness classes that the Leader of the Opposition in his contribution at work locations. I mean seriously! I find it absolutely mentioned respect and said things about volunteerism staggering that these are considered as part of an EBA, being destroyed. He questioned who has guts in this an enterprise bargaining agreement. The CFA campaign and who has integrity. I would say that those volunteers should have no part in that, and they should on the other side who have proposed this matter of be pulled out of it. public importance are the ones who lack the guts and The attitude of the Premier and members of the Labor the integrity, and they are the ones who are on a Party is: ‘It’s my way or the highway’. Members of the mission to destroy volunteerism and to destroy the cabinet made a unanimous decision to support this fabric of the most effective volunteer and staffed EBA, to sack the CFA board and to force the firefighting service in the world. It is not without its problems, however, and they have been resignation of Lucinda Nolan, who was hand-picked by the Premier and who has a steadfast and honourable identified as — — reputation. I think this is absolutely appalling, and there Mr Morris — On a point of order, Deputy Speaker, is no respect shown to our volunteers. your attention was just drawn to the state of the house. There has not been a quorum called today. Ms GREEN (Yan Yean) — It is always a great pleasure to join any debate in this chamber on the value The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! There is no and work of our Country Fire Authority (CFA) point of order. There was a quorum called when the volunteers. However, I have to say I do not support the house reconstituted at 2 o’clock, so there is no point of matter of public importance (MPI) put before this house order. The honourable member for Yan Yean, to by the Leader of the Opposition. The Leader of the continue. Opposition represented Northern Metropolitan Region in the other place for many years, but I do not recall Mr Morris interjected.
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The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The So we had the contribution of the Leader of the honourable member for Mornington will sit down. Opposition, and then we had the holding pattern, I think it was, from the Leader of The Nationals doing the Mr Morris — That was 2 hours ago. victory lap. He was just doing his ‘Keep Steph out’ act. Then we had the member for Gembrook making his The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The punt for the leadership and doing every divisive little honourable member for Mornington will sit down thing he can on the ground. When the member for immediately. Gembrook could have made an impact, when he could Mr Morris — An absolute disgrace. have had some input into the Fiskville inquiry — and he says he cares about volunteers, as the shadow Debate interrupted. minister — he did not even show up to one hearing of the Fiskville inquiry. And then it all got too hard, and SUSPENSION OF MEMBER he resigned from the committee. As the shadow minister he could have made a viable contribution, and Member for Mornington he could have heard what happened to people there.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! Under I feel very strongly about the Fiskville situation because standing order 124, the honourable member for I know many people who are suffering health concerns Mornington will leave the chamber for half an hour. worry about what the future might hold, as well as those who are dying and those who have died. My Honourable member for Mornington withdrew uncle Allan Radford was a volunteer firefighter. He was from chamber. the captain at the Port Campbell brigade. Before he died he told me he firmly believed it was his exposure MATTERS OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE at Fiskville that was the cause of his cancer, which ultimately killed him. It is just like Brian Potter and just Country Fire Authority enterprise bargaining like Malcolm Fallon, who is ill at the moment, and agreement many, many others.
Debate resumed. I want to tell the story of Tom Upton. Tom is a fabulous elector living in Humevale, just outside Whittlesea. I Ms GREEN (Yan Yean) — Where were the guts met Tom when he was about 16. We went on strike and integrity of the Leader of the Opposition during his team together north of Yea. It was a pretty awful day four years as a member of the former government, as because unfortunately the captain of the Campbells the Minister for Planning, when the guts were being Creek brigade lost his life in the gully next to us, and ripped out of the CFA? There was absolutely no action we heard it on the radio. Tom and I were bonded on Fiskville. Government members voted down forever after that. On Black Saturday one of the four presumptive legislation in the other chamber. That is maydays I heard on that terrible day, when crews were where the Leader of the Opposition was, voting down in mortal peril, was one of those that held Tom Upton. presumptive legislation on cancer on — what was it — For 40 minutes the truck he was in was belted. They six or seven occasions, and then those opposite have the called mayday over and over, giving the coordinates of temerity to say that they back the CFA and they back where they were. And we had tears streaming down our volunteer firefighters. faces because we knew they were saying, ‘Don’t come. Don’t come’. They were giving us the coordinates Where was the action from him as a local member because they were telling us that is where we would covering the Yan Yean electorate? Where was he when find their bodies. the operational budgets of volunteer fire brigades were halved under his watch? This was done at the same After that Tom and the rest of his crew were taken off time that Victorians were paying more for their fire the fireground for the rest of that horrible day — thank services — they could see it on their rate notices — and goodness they survived — but he slept two more days at the very time when operational budgets were halved. under the desk at the Whittlesea fire station because he That was the very time when all of a sudden there were could not get back to his home and did not know no pagers available for volunteers, there was no whether his parents were dead or alive. What he did personal protective equipment available for volunteers know was that three of his neighbours, including one of and there was no action on Fiskville. his best friends, had perished across the road. Somehow Tom recovered from his post-traumatic stress disorder after that, and he became a career firefighter in 2010,
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and I was pleased to speak at Tom Upton’s graduation. grain farmers or whoever who are coming in and He served his community in Warrnambool, in South working together with their wives, their children and Morang and in Eltham as a career firefighter. their families to say that they want their CFA respected and they want their CFA supported. Ms Thomas — He is vilified by that lot. I guess the way this government is treating it is that it is Ms GREEN — He is now vilified as a member of right and everybody else is wrong — not just one the UFU. This is not a war. These people are dividing person is wrong, but lots of people are wrong. families. They say the first casualty of war is the truth. Everybody else has got this wrong, except the Premier. Those opposite are acting like this is a divorce and they Today he has put a letter into our local paper. I think it are fighting over the children. Well, I will not cut Tom is the first one the Colac Herald has had from the Upton in half because he has been a volunteer and a Premier. He talks about lies. Well, we have all been career firefighter. I will stand for him and for every talking about the lies in this debate. There is a good other firefighter in my electorate, who I have always rack of lies. He says, ‘Trust me’. That is the bottom stood up for. I have always stood up for them, and I will line. He says, ‘Trust me’ — the man who said not one continue to stand up for them. cent would be spent to stop building a road. ‘Trust me’, he says, yet $1.5 billion is the 1 cent he did not spend. Those opposite have never talked about safety. The National Party year in and year out — every time there Country people are thinking about that, of course, are was new legislation coming in — would say, ‘Oh, they not? They are thinking, ‘Gee whiz, $1.5 billion’ — unnecessary red tape’. Well, the CFA does need to or $1.2 billion or however many dollars it is — ‘is a change. Volunteers need to have a voice, a voice that hell of a lot of money’. They are sitting there and those opposite never gave them. There needs to be thinking, ‘What could we have done in our country dispute resolution for volunteers. They need to actually communities with that, with this man we are supposed have a voice and to have a CEO who lets them be heard to trust? What could we do?’. It is a lot of roads. It is a before the Fair Work Commission. That is why we lot of fire tracks cleared. It is a lot of equipment for need a new board. We need a clean-up. We need a CFA sheds — CFA sheds, mind you, that have many clean-up of Fiskville, we need people who will do times been built, put together and fundraised for often things cooperatively and we do not need a minister who on land donated by local families and communities. will be at the tennis and who denies firefighting foam This is not someone country communities are about to causes cancer. start to trust.
Mr RIORDAN (Polwarth) — I rise to continue the So now what? The thrust of this letter today says to our debate today on the matter of public importance about country communities, ‘We had to steamroll this the complete lack of respect that is being shown to the through. We had a thousand days’. A thousand days is Country Fire Authority (CFA). I follow on from a going to be some new biblical metaphor that we use in rather rousing rant from the member for Yan Yean, this place when a government can just do what it who has clearly bought what CFA members across likes — ‘It’s a thousand days’. Well, that is a great country Victoria can expect to be told by union message to put out to every union heavy that we have members. Just today alone on my iPhone the amount of got in this state: ‘Just put up with it for a thousand days trawling and trolling from United Firefighters Union and you can rely on this Premier to sack a minister. (UFU) members on any post that has been put up is an You can rely on this Premier to sack this board. You absolute outrage to country communities. It is an insult. can rely on this Premier, this government, to sack everybody just to get it through’. What an appalling There is not any trolling from Polwarth — none from precedent. It is actually a worry. I mean, what next? I the hardworking fire brigades and fire sheds around cannot imagine what it is going to be like with Olympic Polwarth. No, they are from Melbourne. They are from teams: ‘You know, we didn’t win enough gold; we’ll inner-city areas. They are from people probably being just sack everybody. Sack the International Olympic paid high wages and sitting in comfortable, warm, Committee. Sack everybody’. That will be the approach air-conditioned UFU offices or in other trade union we will have. outlets, wherever they may be. They are sitting there with all the time on their hands, and meanwhile the An honourable member — Dictator Dan. CFA volunteers are the people who are getting together on an almost weekly basis in their local communities, Mr RIORDAN — Dictator Dan. So what else does rousing up real support from farmers who are leaving this thousand days mean? It is a steamroll. According to their cows for the morning or the afternoon or from the press release that went out only this morning on an
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enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA) that is supposed uncompromising Premier. Country people know that to be solved the message is: ‘Don’t look here, folks. It’s this is an ideological war going on. Country people are all over, but it’s not really. We’re still going on about seeing this government bring its top-down approach to it’. But, guess what? We have got a Ministry of communities, which is coming at them from all angles. Re-education going on in this state, There is Safe I have got my friend sitting over in the gallery here Schools — that is re-education — and now we have a today. His business is threatened because of new website for CFA re-education. government policy being forced down onto people in country communities, with no regard for tradition and An honourable member interjected. no regard for their hard work and effort. There is no regard for our country eel fishers who sit there and Mr RIORDAN — Absolutely. So I do not know work. They get rid of the carp; they help keep insects what we are going to get on this. under control. They are the only ones out there looking An honourable member — What’s it called? after our environment day in and day out, and they do not get paid for it. But, oh, no, this is just another Mr RIORDAN — Well, I do not know, but it says, example of government policy being used to work ‘Trust me little kiddies of the country — trust me. Go to against country people. this website and all will be revealed. We will reveal how our own Labor minister was wrong. We will It was reported last week that this government is going reveal how our own appointed CEO that has been there hard on volunteers in schools as well, because it does 5 minutes was wrong’. not like this and it does not like that. It cannot control what mums and dads want to do with their kids in their Mr Watt — It sounds a bit like the Wizard of Oz. schools. The government is going to make our schools safer by driving away engaged, involved and caring Mr RIORDAN — Absolutely, the Wizard of Oz. parents. Then it is going to replace them with Safe And not only that: ‘We will tell you how the nine School brochures and most probably another set of independent members are all wrong too’. Now, some of whizzbang websites and apps that will have all sorts of our friends on the other side have been quick to rattle re-education ideas in them. off every — — Ms Thomas — Sit down. You’re an embarrassment. An honourable member — The Lizard of Oz. Mr RIORDAN — No, I am having too much fun. Mr RIORDAN — The Lizard of Oz; that is right. What sort of society do we want? That is what we are They have been quick to rattle off every problem they all asking in this matter of public importance (MPI). Do have had for the last 20 years in the CFA and say that is we want a society where everyone steps back, has no why the government has had to take this action. Well, I ownership and does not care, a society that relies on am sorry, I cannot find too much information that said government to do all its bidding? Or do we want to any of this was going to happen because of those encourage a society that has vibrant communities that things. No, my friends. We all know that the board was live together, work together and care for each other, that sacked because it is a union deal; it is a union-paid act, get in and pitch in and help? It is not some guy that we and that is all it is. are going to see, like the old 1970s battery ad where you holler for a Marshall every time you have got a So what is the situation? We are back to these thousand problem. ‘Holler for a Marshall’: that is what the Labor days. Are we honestly saying that the unions of this Party’s view of emergency services is. They are going state can get what they want by hanging out for a to just sit there and holler for him, and if you are out in thousand days? Community safety is the most the middle of the western plains somewhere, you are important thing. It is more important than Peter going to have to wait till the union guys turn up. Marshall and the UFU’s hissy fits behind closed doors. It is more important than the self-interested deals at We have heard a lot today about some of these crazy taxpayers expense that ultimately will risk community clauses, the clauses our friends on the other side tell us safety. do not really matter, that they do not care about. So we asked the question: what on earth are they in there for Mr Richardson — Did you write this yourself? anyway? Of course, the most ridiculous as far as I am concerned — and my goodness, there are plenty of Mr RIORDAN — I did; I am on a roll. The ridiculous clauses in there — is clause 41.1, requiring community knows this CFA debacle is much more than the CFA to hand over full access of its email system just grubby backdoor union deals with a compliant and and database to the UFU and providing the UFU with
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unrestricted access to it. We have asked the question: movement, because it recognised the fact that you what on earth does it want that for? There can only be needed to try to find a way to educate working people. one reason. It is about re-education. It is about data control. It is about the UFU doing what it has done to The first mechanics institute in Melbourne was built in me all day, with its trolling and trawling on the internet, 1839, and in 1873 it was renamed the Melbourne sending out nasty, spiteful, crazy demands and Athenaeum, which is just down the road here in Collins commentary. Street. In total around about 1000 were built in Victoria, and there are 562 remaining today. They were about Mr Watt — It’s a closed shop. trying to create levels of literacy and numeracy that had not been seen among working people since ancient Mr RIORDAN — That is right; it is a closed shop. Rome. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to They might work well on a construction site around have gone to cities such as Pompeii have been able to Melbourne. Well, country people — I can tell you look at graffiti on walls, including on the brothels there. this — they are not into it. They do not like it, and they You realise that people, who I suspect were are not going to stand for it. workingmen — or they might have been workingwomen — could read and write. They wrote What we want are the values and the CFA respected. with quite detailed and sophisticated sentence We want communities that feel that they own construction in the graffiti on the walls of the brothels themselves and have control over themselves. They will of Pompeii. You do not see that level of literacy and not be silenced. It is hands off the CFA; it is as simple numeracy until the 19th or 20th centuries, when you see as that. It was not broke, so let us not try to wreck it. the results of a higher level of education. This forms the basis of a sophisticated and civilised society. LAND (REVOCATION OF RESERVATIONS — REGIONAL VICTORIA In many respects we would not have the mechanics LAND) BILL 2016 institutes had we not had the Reformation. Recently I was reading a great book by Neil MacGregor, Second reading Germany — Memories of a Nation. The interesting thing about Germany during the Reformation is that it Debate resumed. was not a single state; it was basically a series of cities Mr PEARSON (Essendon) — I am delighted to which were independently ruled and were culturally make a contribution in relation to the Land (Revocation connected but politically distinct and separate. People of Reservations — Regional Victoria Land) Bill 2016. spoke different dialects of High German and Low As previous speakers have indicated, it really looks at German, which were almost like two separate dealing with the revocation of permanent land languages. It was very hard for someone from Hamburg reservations in regional Victoria for mechanics going to Munich, for example, to understand the institutes primarily. It is interesting to note that there is language spoken there. actually a Mechanics Institutes of Victoria, which was What happened was that in his childhood Martin Luther formed in 1998, and clearly mechanics institutes were spent time in areas where both High German and Low around for a lot longer before then. The secretary of the German were spoken. When he looked at translating Mechanics Institutes of Victoria is a gentleman by the the Bible into German, that formed the basis of modern name of Luke Mitchell. I have got to know Luke very German as we know it. Another interesting thing, too, well over the years. He is an outstanding gentleman, is that he was aided and abetted in the great cause by extremely bright and very, very passionate about Johannes Gutenberg, who created the printing press. mechanics institutes. He has real drive and a real Why is this important? It is because Germany had a passion for this great institution. series of satellite cities which were free and On the term ‘mechanics institute’, I remember as a kid independent — culturally linked but politically you would be driving around and you would see separate — and there was great freedom of movement ‘mechanics institute’. You would sort of wonder, ‘Well, and of thought. In England, for example, people who what do they do? Do they loan out tools there or do were trying to publish English translations of the Bible they fix cars there or are there old blokes in blue were executed for treason, whereas in Germany, overalls playing around with machines?’. The term because they could seek comfort and protection in derives from the fact that ‘mechanic’ means an artisan licensed states, they were able to produce the good or workingman. The movement began in 1800, and it book, as it were, publishing a literate form in a native was really the apogee of the Scottish Enlightenment language. It was not in Latin; it did not need to be
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translated by the priesthood in order for it to be It would also undermine the operational authority of the understood. CFA’s chief officer and operational commanders as well as compromise the fiduciary responsibilities of the CFA’s board under the Country Fire Authority Act. We had the Reformation and we had Johannes Gutenberg and Martin Luther, and that formed the basis I think that of the many different authorities that one of a movement to try to educate working people. The could place on the parliamentary record, the insight and mechanics institutes played a vital role in this state and understanding of a former Labor Minister for Police this nation in making sure that we became a and Emergency Services is on par and parallel with the sophisticated and progressive society and community. immediate past Minister for Emergency Services. This is a great piece of legislation. It recognises the fact that we need to acknowledge our past but move on to Coming back to the bill, I would like to comment the future, and I commend the bill to the house. specifically on the revocation of the permanent reservation of certain agricultural research station land Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) — I am pleased at Walpeup, which has a direct connection with my to join the debate on the Land (Revocation of electorate in the sense that a person who had grown up Reservations — Regional Victoria Land) Bill 2016. In in the Sandringham electorate spent some years the words of parliamentary counsel a number of years working at Walpeup. In addition, the father of that ago, the comment had been made that bills such as this particular person, a man by the name of Tom Stratford, and the statutory review that expunges legislation from is an outstanding citizen who was a carpenter by trade. I the statute book can sometimes succinctly and met him one day in Mentone, where I saw a bloke in evocatively recall aspects of Victoria’s past history. In his early 80s with his set of carpentry tools in a timber the present case, the purposes of this act are in part: box walking across the road. I made inquiry of what his purpose was. I deduced after numbers of questions that (a) to revoke the permanent reservation and related Crown grant of certain Mechanics’ Institute land at Burke’s he had actually been repairing the fence of a neighbour. Flat; and He invited me into his home, and I saw marvellously crafted timber items. From timber that was gained up in (b) to revoke the permanent reservation of certain watering Walpeup, if my memory is correct, he crafted a lectern purposes land at Campbelltown … in one piece for St Augustine’s church in Mentone. I These are regional areas of Victoria, and in those would just like to make sure that that is the fact. He was precincts there are no doubt important Country Fire a master-craftsman, an artisan, and he made beautiful Authority (CFA) units that manage fire burns on part of pieces of furniture that I saw in his home, some out of the land in Victoria. In our state lands in Victoria we one piece of timber. They were beautifully designed have national parks, state parks and regional reserves items. A family member of his, his son, had a long-term that grade the land use and access to it and the career at the agricultural research station land at particular regulations that apply to it. It is important that Walpeup. those lands are well protected. A decade or more ago It is important that we manage our lands well, and it is more flora and fauna was barbecued in this state under important that we maintain them well. Crown land is the no-burn policies of the then government that had governed under a range of different uses, as I failed to do the required burn-offs necessary to manage mentioned earlier on: national parks, state parks and the land correctly. There are further dangers to ensuring regional reserves. It is important that they be properly that in the case of the CFA, which has been a matter of protected from fire, and the words of André Haermeyer great debate today, nearly 60 000 firefighters who are are salutary in this chamber in terms of the importance currently in dispute with the United Firefighters Union of that. (UFU) have the opportunity to protect, maintain and manage lands in Victoria. The member for Essendon has also spoken of the role of learning, and he went back to Martin Luther. There In contributing to this particular debate, I would just were other fierce advocates of the day who sought to like to place on record the words of a former Bracks empower people. Daniel Hannan was of the view in Labor government minister, André Haermeyer, who one of his books that the expression ‘Of the people, by made the note about the UFU that: the people, for the people’ in terms of government Many of its demands in its current dispute with the CFA are comes from a statement in one of the Wycliffe Bible Trojan horses that would sideline CFA volunteers and translations: undermine their interests, with little or no real benefit for the paid firefighters the UFU represents. This Bible is for the government of the people, by the people, for the people.
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It empowered an understanding of knowledge and ovals, soccer pitches or lacrosse fields, will be available liberated the people to form their own views on a range for future generations of Victoria. Whenever I see a bill of matters. that changes a classification or revokes reservations for particular uses, I am very keen to ensure that in that There was also the work of Tyndale in terms of the process any opportunities for land to be used for promotion of the translation of the Bible that might recreational playing fields in the middle of Melbourne empower people and also that of Martin Luther, who are taken advantage of. made the statement, ‘Here I stand’. I have a feeling that the former Minister for Emergency Services may have Mr KATOS (South Barwon) — It is my pleasure to made a statement like that in a recent cabinet rise this afternoon to make a contribution on the Land meeting — ‘Here I stand. I can do no other’. It is a (Revocation of Reservations — Regional Victoria tribute to her fortitude and courage against great Land) Bill 2016. These revocation bills are fairly opposition in the CFA dispute to have arrived at that common in the Parliament and are periodically strong, powerful and courageous position to protect the introduced. There are usually several in each term of interests of the CFA. Parliament. Obviously Crown reservations are put over Crown land for specific purposes. They might be for One of the earliest mechanics institutes had a education purposes or for recreational purposes. In this connection with the Melbourne Athenaeum, and also case, we have two former mechanics institute sites, and the Prahran Mechanics Institute has a very long history we also have a livestock watering site and an of making reading libraries available. A number of agricultural research station. years ago members of this chamber were invited to make donations to the Melbourne Athenaeum Library There are four of them around the state. We have of books that were of importance to them, and members Burkes Flat, which is east of St Arnaud. The bill of both sides of the chamber made such bequests. revokes a reservation for a former mechanics institute and a restricted Crown grant. In fact the mechanics The Land (Revocation of Reservations — Regional institute was never actually used for that purpose, and Victoria Land) Bill 2016 revokes a number of there was a hall built on adjoining land that was permanent reservations. I might add too that in terms of demolished in the 1990s. The Campbelltown site is a land use — I have made this statement before in the livestock watering site north of Creswick, and again it house — there has been a diminution of recreational is no longer being used for this purpose, so there is a lands in Melbourne. As once quarter-acre blocks have revocation there. Lake Charm, which is south-east of been subdivided and as once company tennis courts on Swan Hill, was again a former mechanics institute site. the adjoining block have been subdivided, there has There was one that was built there but demolished in been a diminution in the urban playing spaces of 1946. The site is now vacant and will more than likely Melbourne, with smaller subdivisions and the erosion be sold. of land. Probably the more interesting one is at Walpeup, which We have had the takeover, which I have mentioned I believe is the correct pronunciation. The member for before, of Olympic Park. The Melbourne & Olympic Mildura previously enlightened us as to how to Parks Trust saw it passed from the use of amateur pronounce that one correctly. I think most in this athletes across Victoria to a football club with a finite chamber would look at that one and probably struggle membership and taken away from the people of to pronounce it correctly. I think even the member for Victoria to use. I have previously called for a royal Essendon might struggle with that one without commission into how that took place. There is also the assistance. The Walpeup site was previously an encroachment upon land of the further development of agricultural research station. It is quite a large holding Hisense Arena, which has seen sporting ovals south of of land — 1040 hectares — and it certainly has Melbourne Park that were once used by the people of buildings on it, but it is also very suitable for Melbourne for recreational purposes now form parts of agricultural purposes. The member for Mildura gave car parks and stadia. quite a detailed description earlier of the land at Walpeup and did in fact say that it is a staging ground There is an erosion of that land, and one of the greatest that is used by Country Fire Authority (CFA) things that this legislation can do is to ensure that in the volunteers. It sits between two national parks, so it is an decades ahead there is the same per capita square important piece of land. metreage of recreational land for future generations of Victorians, so that that recreational land, whether it be As I said, these are quite routine bills. I recall a previous for netball courts, hockey pitches, football ovals, cricket revocation bill. There was some land in Barwon Heads
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that was sold for the construction of two bridges in As I said, these revocation bills are quite common Barwon Heads at the time, although the community practice, much like we have bills to tidy up the mistakes fought very hard for one bridge. The member for in legislation that periodically come before this house. Bellarine and the member for South Barwon at the time As I said, this bill revokes four permanent Crown land fought very hard to build two bridges, but there was reservations scattered around Victoria, predominantly some land there that needed to have its reservation in the north-west of the state. It is quite a sensible thing revoked for those bridges to be constructed. to do with land that is no longer used for its originally intended purpose, as long as the local community is In fact it is very timely that I speak about that today, supportive of that land being either used for other because we had a disallowance motion in the upper purposes or sold off to be used in a more constructive house with regard to the sky rail proposal, a motion manner. I certainly do not object to these revocations which was defeated. taking place where they have the support of local communities, but as I said earlier, you must respect the In that case back in 2009, from memory, the actual will of the local community. If you do not, you do so at disallowance motion was successful in the upper house, your own peril. With that, I commend the bill to the and as one would expect from the Labor government of house. that day — I can only imagine what the Labor government of today would do — it came in with the Ms HENNESSY (Minister for Health) — I too rise Planning and Environment Act 1987 and rode to make some comments on the Land (Revocation of roughshod over the communities of Barwon Heads and Reservations — Regional Victoria Land) Bill 2016. As Ocean Grove, using a portion of the act that gives the many of the other speakers have already canvassed, this Minister for Planning the power to intervene and is a bill that effectively revokes permanent reservation fast-track the rezoning of land for educational use or for over Crown land in four significant rural areas. health purposes. It has been quite interesting to hear the various I venture to say that even if the motion had been contributions members have made, given that it is a bill successful in the other place today, this government of quite a technical nature. We certainly heard from the would have found a way to ram it home just as it is member for Sandringham about his concerns around doing with many other things around the state. If people what the removal of a reservation on land means in do not agree with the government, they are just terms of access to recreational land. I was particularly dismissed. Whether it is about the sky rail or the CFA enlightened by the member for Essendon’s situation at the moment, we certainly have a situation contribution, which noted the impact of this bill here where this government imposes its will on people particularly on mechanics institutes and really irrespective of what the will of those local communities reinforced the important role that mechanics institutes is. As I said earlier, it did this to the Barwon Heads have played in the history of Victoria. I am sure that community seven years ago. The community only everyone has a story to tell about the role of mechanics wanted one bridge built; indeed the old bridge had to institutes and the part they played in giving working go. people access to free education.
I might just give a timely warning to the government The member for Essendon was quite erudite in his that at that election the Barwon Heads electorate swung knowledge of the Reformation, I thought, and 17 per cent to the coalition because the Labor particularly of the role that Martin Luther played in the government had not listened to or respected the wishes Reformation. Of course that was a significant period of of the local community. A 17 per cent swing would time back; Luther died in 1546 after his really probably lose quite a few seats for the government significant contribution in terms of the translation of the along certain railway lines at the moment if that Bible from Latin into the contemporary vernacular. It disrespect continues. There is obviously the disrespect was the first time the Bible had been translated into a shown to the community with regard to the sky rail and contemporary vernacular, and the purpose of Luther’s also disrespect has been shown to the 60 000 CFA translation was of course to make theology accessible volunteers. If the government thinks that it is going to to people. In terms of the important role that Martin be able to do whatever it pleases and there will be no Luther played in the development of Germanic ramifications in the electorate, then its members really languages, what a lot of people do not know about are living in a fantasy land as far as I am concerned and Luther is that he also played an important role in the certainly as far as many in the coalition are concerned. development of modern hymns as well. Luther made a contribution in understanding the importance of music in modern Germanic languages, and I think that is
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another significant contribution. Another one that is CHIEF PARLIAMENTARY COUNSEL often — — Mr ANDREWS (Premier) (By leave) — I am very Mr Thompson interjected. pleased to rise by leave and make a short statement. The men and women who work in this place serve Ms HENNESSY — I have been asked to name something greater and much more lasting than any names by the member for Sandringham. The member single government. They serve the democratic tradition for Sandringham is also a man of deep historical that built this state and this nation and everything in it knowledge, and I am sure he will understand that that we hold dear and close — the things we value Luther made a very important contribution in setting most. In our modern era, that tradition has perhaps seen psalm 46 to music as well. It was often used, and he no greater servant than Gemma Varley. Gemma started certainly had the development of his version of the in her public service career in 1976 in the federal Lord’s Prayer as well, which made a significant relations branch of the then Department of Premier and contribution. Cabinet. She joined the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel two years later. Another important contribution that Luther made was of course in the evolution and development of marriage Since that time over 3000 pieces of legislation have within the Protestant religion, and I say this as a person passed through this chamber and this Parliament. We who has been socialised within the Catholic tradition. have made so many reforms and changes, so many big He married a lovely woman, Katherine von Bora, and steps — leaps, in fact — towards the modern, that established the modern practice of Protestants of progressive Victoria that we all know, love, value and the cloth, so to speak, being able to marry as well. cherish today, and our statute books are the guide map for that. They are so very important to the way our state When the member for Essendon reflected upon the functions, the things that we know to be important, the Land (Revocation of Reservations — Regional Victoria things that we work hard to protect, the things that we Land) Bill 2016 and its importance and significance, his value and the things that we safeguard. Nothing is more contribution was around mechanics institutes and the important than the process. accessibility of language. It was indeed about the impact of the mechanics institutes. The member for Gemma has been central to that process in modern Essendon talked about how the mechanics institutes times — and I think a career of this length can be made language accessible to common people. You did defined as modern times. She has of course served as not have to be a person who understood Latin in order chief parliamentary counsel for the last eight years. to have access to it, and that of course was the link with That is where most of us have come to know her and Luther and the Lutheran movement. appreciate her dedication, her professionalism, the acuity of her intellect, the practical application and the With those brief observations on this bill, I indicate that outcome focus that she has always brought to her many I wish it a speedy passage through the house. I have and varied tasks, and ultimately her love of this enjoyed the interesting contributions my parliamentary institution and the role it plays in building a stronger colleagues have made on a bill of a reasonably state. technical nature. It has a lot of very interesting and historical entry points, and this has been a delightful It is not easy to be a parliamentary officer. It is not easy opportunity for me to make a very brief contribution. to work in the service of all of us assembled here. It is perhaps easier for some than others, but it is Debate adjourned on motion of Mr SPENCE challenging work. The gruelling time frames that the (Yuroke). business of democracy imposes on its parliamentary Debate adjourned until later this day. officers is often forgotten by us certainly, and I dare say it is perhaps not so much a matter of it being forgotten but perhaps the broader community is not even aware of the sort of sacrifice, work and dedication that people like Gemma bring to the task.
Gemma knows it well, and there are a few stand-out examples in such a long career. In more contemporary times I do not think any member of the former Labor government will ever forget the work around the complete rewrite of the Children, Youth and Families
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Act 2005. I know we will not forget Victoria again of 1992 to 1999, that particularly early in that term playing its natural leadership role, leading our nation in there was a huge amount of rewriting of state laws and reform to be the first state to pass human rights a huge amount of legislation passed, some of it passed legislation with the drafting and the passage of the in the very early hours of the morning after a lot of Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act work had been done to get that legislation through this 2006. These are just a couple of examples. There are Parliament. You were central to that and have been many more, and they serve as lasting testaments to the steadfast, straight down the line and as straightforward dedication and skill of one of the greatest servants of as anyone in that position could possibly be to all of this Parliament that we have seen for a very long time. those governments.
On behalf of this generation of modern legislators, for I think it is fair to say that all of us have appreciated want of a better term, and all who you have served in immensely not just your leadership in the position you previous years, we say thank you so very much, and we currently hold but the work you have done before, both wish you well for the future. You will be missed, but the advice you have provided and the work you have you will leave the Office of the Chief Parliamentary done. It is certainly something we will not forget. If I Counsel in very good hands. It is stronger for your could say to Gemma on behalf of the opposition, we contribution and better for your contribution. Can I just wish you well. We thank you for everything you have finish by saying that few have contributed more and done. I find it amazing that someone has been around even fewer have contributed as much and left with that this building since 1978; it must have changed so much. zeal, that enthusiasm and that passion for their I certainly thank you for the work you have done, and important work. We are truly in your debt, and we wish best wishes into the future. you well. Honourable members applauded. Mr GUY (Leader of the Opposition) (By leave) — By leave I wish to make a statement if I can. Few STATE TAXATION AND OTHER ACTS people in this building and few people in the AMENDMENT BILL 2016 government structure as a whole have outlasted 9 of 10 premiers they have worked under. If I could say to Council’s suggested amendments Gemma on behalf of the Liberal and National parties, it is not a bad effort to have outlasted Rupert Hamer, Message from Council relating to following Lindsay Thompson, John Cain, Joan Kirner, Jeff suggested amendments considered: Kennett, Steve Bracks, John Brumby, Ted Baillieu and 1. Clause 4, lines 10 and 11, omit “or short-term Denis Napthine and retire in the period in 2016. accommodation”.
Sometimes as politicians all of us forget that the 2. Clause 4, lines 17 and 18, omit “or short-term opinions we come to this place with and the laws we accommodation”. seek to enact as parliamentarians, obviously 3. Clause 4, line 25, omit “or short-term accommodation”. predominantly through government, are slaved over, written up and legalised, and that work is done by those 4. Clause 4, page 6, lines 4 and 5, omit “or short-term particularly in the Office of the Chief Parliamentary accommodation”. Counsel in the drafting of that legislation to make sure 5. Clause 4, page 6, lines 12 and 13, omit “or short-term it is right and to make sure it does what the government accommodation”. of the day or the Parliament has asked it to do. That work has to come from somewhere, and that work can 6. Clause 4, page 6, after line 15 insert— only ever benefit from someone of experience. I know “(2) Despite subsection (1), residential property does we should not speak directly to people, but can I say to not include any of the following— Gemma that that kind of experience is something that is exceedingly hard to replace. It is something I think all (a) land of us have appreciated over a number of governments, (i) capable of being used solely or primarily over many parliaments — the kind of experience that as commercial residential premises, a you have brought to this role and the leadership you residential care facility, a supported have shown others in the position you have held in that residential service or for the purposes of role. a retirement village and that may lawfully be used in that way; and I know from the member for Brighton and the member (ii) that a person intends to use solely or for Box Hill in particular, who were in the government primarily as commercial residential
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premises, a residential care facility, a 10. Clause 4, page 7, lines 1 and 2, omit “a serviced” and supported residential service or for the insert “an”. purposes of a retirement village; 11. Clause 4, page 7, line 8, omit “or as short-term (b) land which includes a building, or part of a accommodation”. building, that a person intends to refurbish or extend so the land is capable of being used 12. Clause 4, page 7, line 9, omit “those ways” and insert solely or primarily as commercial residential “that way”. premises, a residential care facility, a supported residential service or for the Mr PALLAS (Treasurer) — I move: purposes of a retirement village and that may lawfully be used in that way; That this house makes the amendments suggested by the Legislative Council. (c) land— The government’s proposed amendments to the State (i) on which a person intends to construct a Taxation and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2016 are building so the land is capable of being used solely or primarily as commercial technical amendments to the definition of ‘residential residential premises, a residential care property’. The suggested amendments that we are facility, a supported residential service or considering, which were supported by all members in for the purposes of a retirement village the other place, ensure that all land intended to be and that may lawfully be used in that way; or captured by the duty surcharge is treated the same way. The amendments ensure that entire developments of (ii) in respect of which a person has hotels and other short-term accommodation are not undertaken or intends to undertake land captured, which was never the government’s intention. development for the purposes of— These suggested amendments are consistent with the (A) constructing a building so the land second-reading speech and give effect to that stated is capable of being used solely or intention. primarily as commercial residential premises, a residential care facility, The suggested amendments to clause 4 of the bill a supported residential service or amend the Duties Act 2000 and ensure that the for the purposes of a retirement village and that may lawfully be definition of ‘residential property’ for the foreign buyer used in that way; or duty will not capture, firstly, premises such as hotels, motels, serviced apartments and student (B) enabling another person to accommodation; and secondly, retirement villages, construct a building so the land is capable of being used solely or residential care facilities and supported residential primarily as commercial residential services. premises, a residential care facility, a supported residential service or These amendments are a shining example of the for the purposes of a retirement government’s strong belief in maintaining an open line village and that may lawfully be of communication with industry and stakeholders. used in that way.”. These amendments have been warmly received by 7. Clause 4, page 6, line 16, omit “(2)” and insert “(3)”. stakeholders, such as the Property Council of Australia and the Accommodation Association of Australia, and I 8. Clause 4, page 6, after line 16 insert— commend the suggested amendments to the house. “commercial residential premises has the same meaning as in the A New Tax System (Goods and Mr M. O’BRIEN (Malvern) — What an Services Tax) Act 1999 of the Commonwealth;”. extraordinary claim from the Treasurer! We have just heard the Treasurer say that it was never the 9. Clause 4, page 6, lines 21 to 23, omit all words and government’s intention that this extra tax grab should expressions on these lines and insert— catch hotels, motels et cetera. Let us look at the “residential care facility has the same meaning as in explanatory memorandum of this bill, circulated by the section 76 of the Land Tax Act 2005; Treasurer. On page 5 it says:
retirement village has the same meaning as in the Short-term accommodation includes, but is not limited to, Retirement Villages Act 1986; accommodation such as hotels, motels, retirement villages, student accommodation and serviced apartments. supported residential service has the same meaning as in the Supported Residential Services (Private How can the Treasurer get up here with a straight face Proprietors) Act 2010.”. and claim that the government never had any intention
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to extend this tax grab to hotels, motels and retirement Victorian businesses — a quarter of a billion dollar tax villages when the explanatory memorandum grab, a quarter of a billion-dollar deliberate decision to specifically includes them? increase power prices. It is absolutely appalling.
Ms Asher — He didn’t read the bill. I do wonder how many other problems in this bill have now gone through. We have heard this completely Mr M. O’BRIEN — I do wonder about that. Has disingenuous claim from the Treasurer that he never the Treasurer not even bothered reading his own intended to implement this tax grab to hit hotels, motels legislation, or is he just trying to pull the wool over the and retirement accommodation despite the fact that his eyes of Victorians yet again? very own explanatory memorandum explicitly includes them. This is another example of how we have a Of course we drew the attention of this chamber to this Treasurer who is simply not across the detail of his issue when I spoke on this bill when it came through portfolio and simply cannot be trusted. this house the first time. I quoted from the Accommodation Association of Australia. It said that Motion agreed to. this bill became ‘a virtual hotel investment tax’. We have a government that likes to proclaim that we are the Ordered to be returned to Council with message best of everything, and we have a Premier who loves to informing them of decision of house. get into Buzzfeed wars with Sydney about how we are great and how we are open 24/7. Sydney is not APPROPRIATION (PARLIAMENT introducing a hotel investment tax, but that is exactly 2016–2017) BILL 2016 what this bill specifically sought to do. Council’s suggested amendments So it is either massive incompetence on the part of this Treasurer — and he has now been forced, Message from Council relating to following humiliatingly, to backflip and remove this greedy tax suggested amendments considered: grab — or it is simple incompetence. He is either incompetent or he is less than honest, because when the 1. Suggested amendment to the Legislative Assembly — explanatory memorandum specifically includes the Schedule 1, page 4, line 8 omit “3 737” and insert very items which this Treasurer just 5 minutes ago “4 337”. stood up and said, ‘We had no intention of including those matters’, it is garbage. No-one believes the 2. Suggested amendment to the Legislative Assembly — Treasurer. Schedule 1, page 4, line 11, omit “7 751” and insert “7 151”. The opposition certainly does not oppose these amendments. This was always a greedy and stupid tax 3. Suggested amendment to the Legislative Assembly — grab from a greedy and stupid government, and to the Schedule 1, page 5, line 7, omit “3 737” and insert extent that it has been reduced slightly and the damage “4 337”. to be done is reduced slightly we certainly do not oppose it. What is disappointing is that the other place 4. Suggested amendment to the Legislative Assembly — has not suggested amendments to reduce the terrible Schedule 1, page 5, line 11, omit “3 737” and insert impost of tripling the tax on the fuel that powers 90 per “4 337”. cent of Victorian homes and businesses. The government, the Labor Party, the Greens, the Sex Party 5. Suggested amendment to the Legislative Assembly — and Mr Vote 1 Local Jobs all stand condemned for Schedule 1, page 7, line 8, omit “7 751” and insert voting against the coalition’s amendment that sought to “7 151”. protect Victorian homes and businesses from this tax that will increase their electricity prices. 6. Suggested amendment to the Legislative Assembly —
I do not want to hear any crocodile tears from members Schedule 1, page 7, line 12, omit “7 751” and insert opposite about how they want to help manufacturing. “7 151”. The worst thing you can do for manufacturing is to increase its power prices, and that is exactly what this government is deliberately doing. Every member of the Labor Party in this house and in the other place voted to increase the power prices of Victorian homes and
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Mr PALLAS (Treasurer) — I move: are ways to do that. The Treasurer has flagged that he does not wish to accept the amendments that have been That this house does not make the amendments suggested by proposed in the other place, but he appears to be the Legislative Council. suggesting that he is comfortable with the effect of the The government will not be supporting the suggested amendments being delivered. I note that he is nodding amendments. I am advised that no such amendments at that. I welcome that. have been sought or approved to an appropriation bill of this nature in the last 10 years. I understand that From our own discussions with the Presiding Officers, Legislative Council members are keen to have both the President of the Legislative Council, Bruce additional funds for Legislative Council committees. Atkinson, and the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Indeed in the 2016–17 budget the government allocated Telmo Languiller, the opposition understands that the a further $1.62 million to meet the increasing reporting Presiding Officers are both agreeable to the transfer of requirements of the Legislative Council committees to funds from the department of parliamentary ensure that the committee system can continue to investigatory committees appropriation to the operate effectively and also to assist Parliament to meet Department of Legislative Council appropriation in its responsibilities. 2016–17. We note the correspondence from the Treasurer dated today, which we have a copy of, and Indeed on 6 July last year I received a letter from the which the Treasurer referred to in his contribution. Presiding Officers advising me of a transfer of $500 000 from the parliamentary investigative While this mechanism would seem to deliver the committees appropriation to the Legislative Council desired effect, we do question whether it is the appropriation pursuant to section 31(1)(a) of the long-term fix. If the Presiding Officers are both of the Financial Management Act 1994. Under the act the view that the Legislative Council investigative Presiding Officers are required to notify government, committees should receive greater appropriation, then but they are not required to seek its approval for these rather than having a charade of giving them a lower transfers. On 15 June this year I received a similar letter appropriation every year and then having through notifying me of a transfer of $526 000 to the Legislative administrative means moneys transferred between the Council appropriation for Legislative Council standing general parliamentary appropriation and the Legislative committees. Council appropriation, it would appear that having a permanent fix would be a better outcome. But in terms Upon hearing of the suggested amendments that I am of the looming deadline of the new financial year and addressing, I have today written to the Presiding the government’s stated intention to not accept the Officers to advise them that the government is amendments proposed in the other place — and I supportive of a similar transfer of this nature for the acknowledge that work is being done to give effect to 2016–17 financial year. This is a more appropriate the Legislative Council’s proposals — the opposition mechanism by which an alteration to such financial will not be dividing on this particular motion. capacities and payments within the ambit of the appropriation as already set exists — that is, by the Mr CLARK (Box Hill) — I want to add just a few Presiding Officers using their powers and notifying brief words in support of the remarks of the member for government and then effectively reorganising their Malvern. As the member indicated, it is important to allocations rather than adopting a suggestion to amend ensure that the work being undertaken by the appropriations. Accordingly the government will not Legislative Council committees is appropriately support these suggested amendments. funded. They have done valuable work in the main, and we expect that they will continue to do valuable work Mr M. O’BRIEN (Malvern) — The opposition is to assist in the functioning of the Parliament and to hold very sympathetic to the proposed amendments moved the government to account. In essence what we have in the other place. We do believe that Legislative now arrived at is an alternative way of implementing Council investigative committees have a very important what the amendments suggested by the Legislative role to play. We also would be of the view that they Council would achieve. As the Treasurer has referred have demonstrated in this Parliament already a very to, he has written to the Presiding Officers indicating significant output. They have been very productive. that the government is supportive of them making a They have been effective in holding the government to transfer under section 31(1)(a) of the Financial account, which is something that this government Management Act 1994 in line with current practice. particularly needs but all governments need, it would be fair to say. Governments should be held to account, and The opposition understands from discussions with both investigative committees and parliamentary committees the President and the Speaker this afternoon that they
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are agreeable to that arrangement, so they will in effect to the helmeted honeyeater down through Yellingbo by administrative means achieve the transfer from one and the work that was down there by the chair, Phil appropriation to the other appropriation in the same Honeywood. The helmeted honeyeater, as all would way as would have been achieved by the amendments know, is a state emblem and is obviously very suggested by the Legislative Council. As the member important, as is the need to ensure its protection for the for Malvern has indicated, on the basis that exactly the future. It is something that people in my community same result is going to be achieved by administrative have spoken about quite regularly. We were very lucky means as would have been achieved by the in the former Gembrook electorate. I should say that I amendments suggested by the Legislative Council, the am still lucky in the new Gembrook electorate before I opposition accepts proceeding by that means. get into trouble, but the old Gembrook electorate used to be over 2000 square kilometres in area, and in that Motion agreed to. area we were lucky enough to have the helmeted honeyeater and most of the state’s emblems there. We Ordered to be returned to Council with message had the pink heath and Leadbeater’s possum, and we informing them of decision of house. used to have gold, but we did not have the sea dragon.
NATIONAL PARKS AND VICTORIAN People in the community, particularly around ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Yellingbo, are very passionate when talking about the COUNCIL ACTS AMENDMENT BILL 2016 helmeted honeyeater. Part of the community up there has raised concerns about access to national parks and Second reading state parks and ensuring the safety of the local communities. Submissions have also been made by the Debate resumed from 25 May; motion of fire services in relation to how they can better protect Ms D’AMBROSIO (Minister for Energy, their communities from the aspects of the national park Environment and Climate Change). and particularly the Yellingbo state forest. One of the Mr BATTIN (Gembrook) — I rise to speak on the recommendations concerned where the helmeted National Parks and Victorian Environmental honeyeater lives and looked at where it breeds. That is Assessment Council Acts Amendment Bill 2016. I will important to ensuring that we have more helmeted start off by stating that the position of the coalition is to honeyeaters in the area, particularly along the Cockatoo not oppose this bill. There are two parts to this bill: one Creek and the creek system up there in general. It is is around the National Parks Act 1975 in relation to the also important to know exactly how that operates. The Greater Bendigo National Park and one is around recommendations also concerned ensuring a pathway particularly the Victorian Environmental Assessment for helmeted honeyeaters to travel from one section to Council (VEAC). another so they do not end up being stuck in one small area. That could actually mean the reforestation and The National Parks and Victorian Environmental regeneration of the undergrowth to ensure there is a Assessment Council Acts Amendment Bill 2016 correct environment for the bird to develop and for amends the National Parks Act 1975 in relation to the there to be a growth in numbers. Greater Bendigo National Park. It also amends the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council Act 2001 There is not always great feedback from some in the to broaden VEAC’s advisory role, to enable local community, particularly if you go onto their government responses to recommendations of VEAC private properties and say that the recommendations are and the former Environment Conservation Council to for regrowth of forests or fencing off certain areas along be amended, and to make minor amendments to the act. the creek, which the local community have traditionally A lot of these are small technical changes. However, it had access to. Those people have to have the is important that we get the opportunity to speak about opportunity to have a say, and it is vital that a how this bill will affect us, particularly in our local government, any government, listens to everybody in electorates and our local areas. that local community and to all of their concerns. In Yellingbo we had some very strong views both ways. I As we know, VEAC has had a very important role in met up with members of Friends of the Helmeted Victoria. It obviously assesses anything in relation to Honeyeater. Their view is that we must do as much as the environment and it can give reports back to the we can to protect the helmeted honeyeater and promote government and make recommendations. I will speak further breeding of the bird. Another spot for the very briefly on what I would say is one of the better or helmeted honeyeater is in the Bunyip State Forest. We more in-depth reports that I have seen. It was in relation all know the forest experienced a lot of devastation during the Black Saturday fires. We wanted to make
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sure that there was an area there where the helmeted vegetation. It increases the Greater Bendigo National honeyeater could thrive into the future. Park by 245 hectares — from 17 340 to 17 585.
When you are speaking to sections of the community Offsets is another area of exceptional importance in who are concerned about fires and other things that Victoria. If we are going to continue with our could go through there and looking at fire prevention, population growth — we have more than 100 000 you hear that some of the fire prevention methods and people moving into Victoria each and every year — models, including planned burning, could have a and we are going to continue to have developments, detrimental effect on a species like the helmeted whether they be high density, low density or medium honeyeater or its habitat. When you are removing the density, and we are going into areas particularly in habitat — it is the same as with other animals, outer regional cities, we are going to start having particularly the Leadbeater’s possum — you create an development through areas that have some sensitivity in issue regarding the long-term future and viability of a relation to the vegetation and the vegetation growth. By particular breed. We wanted to make sure that that was having an offsets program you are ensuring that the actually there for it. The report that VEAC handed government of the day and also the developers are down took into consideration both sides of the considering what they are doing and how they are argument. It looked at the best way to protect the going to ensure protection for the future. habitat and also at how we could work with our community to protect it, which is very important in an You only need to go down to Strzelecki, where in the area of high fire danger. past there has obviously been development that has seen a reduction in the number of trees in the area. This bill means that when you are launching There are reports around what has happened with that investigations through VEAC they do not always have in the past, and obviously there will be reports in the to go through the whole cabinet process. It provides the future about what has been happening with other areas opportunity for the minister to look at some of the when there have been developments, especially recommendations. Reports will still have to come back large-scale developments. There are areas where you and recommendations will still need to be made, but it can go to that have specific sensitivities around the gives an opportunity for the minister to have a say in environment and specific species, particularly of plants that, without having to go through such a big process and grasses, that may not be able to be offset. But if for investigations that may not be at a high level. When they can be offset, it is important that we not just offset talking about investigations in the past, such as into them but also ensure that they survive for the future. gold panning — and I am talking about the helmeted honeyeater — they would probably still go through the I know from speaking to the former minister that this same process; they would still go through cabinet, was an issue that was on the table quite regularly. I am because they are quite large investigations. sure that the previous government and this government — governments of the past and the But there are other times when VEAC would like to do future — will have the same concerns. When you are some smaller investigations. When I say small, I mean talking about offsets, it is not one tree for one tree investigations that are still important. When you are because it does not quite work that way, but it is talking about the environment, it is quite difficult. A lot important that you have a process. You cannot just of those investigations are still very, very important. It offset as well and just say, ‘We are going to offset one is important that the minister can have that free rein to area for another area’, unless you can look at the go through a process in working with VEAC. Whilst viability of those areas and what specific offsets are. we were in government we were supportive of this with VEAC. We thought that giving the option back to the Those offsets can vary based on their value. If there are minister was an advantage and took away the some areas that have quite common amounts of the difficulties of going through a full cabinet process to get natural environment, then those will obviously require a decisions through. I think it is vital that we protect that much smaller offset. However, there are other areas. going forward. There is one in Officer where, due to a specific grass species, there were issues in relation to offsets for that. I The other part of the bill amends the National Parks Act have spoken to the member for Gippsland East, 1975 in relation to the Greater Bendigo National Park. discussing with him the aspects in relation to a golf Villawood Investments is donating 245 hectares as course there, and there were some queries in relation to native vegetation clearance offsets elsewhere, and the the offsets for that. That actually raises a whole land is one-third cleared and two-thirds native different element of offsets in relation to what happened in that area. They were talking about a specific tree that
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could grow there. It was not a tree or a shrub that was need to make sure that they are accessible for there; it was one that could potentially grow there, everybody. We need to make sure that people have going by the maps. opportunities to use national parks for many different activities, and I think that is a very good aspect. I think a lot of these maps and the mapping across the state need a lot of work because they are not exactly One of the amendments contained in the bill is the 100 per cent accurate as yet. It is important that is fulfilment of the government’s commitment to grant identified in this issue going forward. When you are Aboriginal title over the park under the Traditional creating new offsets, when you are looking at an area Owner Settlement Act 2010, and this was in line with that you are going to be offsetting, you have got to the 2013 recognition and settlement agreement between make sure that those values are equal on scientific facts, the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and not just based on mapping which says it could or may the previous state government. Again, if you are talking or may not be. about titles and you are talking about protection — I have spoken a lot about environmental protection — For the one down in Gippsland that I mentioned — and obviously we have got a very rich history within these I am trying to recall the exact location, but it was a golf areas, particularly around our Aboriginal culture. It is course there — by saying that it could grow there, it vital that we do respect that, and it is vital that we do created issues because the specific plant they were work with all those organisations, particularly, talking about you could not offset anywhere else in the obviously, the Aboriginal corporations in different parts state. There was nowhere else to offset it. However, it of the state, so that we can see these areas protected for did not actually exist there at the time, so it was only the future — not just when we talk about our past, because it could grow in that area. You have got to take obviously, but to preserve their past as well. It is a very into consideration, in that offset model, how you do not important part not just of Victoria but, as we know, of actually stop some of the progressive development that the whole of Australia. We need to make sure that is we have had through those areas while taking into preserved. consideration that we ensure we have protection of the environment for the future. On some of those occasions In our position of not opposing this bill, I will just say we do need to be a little bit cautious with the mapping very briefly that national parks — and the VEAC that is in place. I think that mapping may need a fair bit reports state this — are something that I think the whole of work to ensure that it is right going forward. state benefits from. A lot of the time environmental groups, particularly smaller environmental groups, do When we hear about the offsets in the past — and I not get the voice that they need and deserve when they spoke about Officer and the specific grass in Officer — are stepping out there. I am talking about the ‘friends it is interesting because in the mapping a student had of’ groups. As I said when I spoke about the Friends of said that there was a specific grass in Officer. However, the Helmeted Honeyeater before, we have also got when we went over the records a bit more and there many other ‘friends of’ groups for rivers and parks, and was a bit more detail — it took nearly seven years I I am sure there would not be a member in this house believe — only to find that that grass had not been who does not have, no matter where you are, a ‘friends there. Again, it was one that could possibly exist. Being of’ group that goes out and does fantastic work in its a local in that specific area they were talking about, I local community. Those are the small groups that do can tell you that when I was born it was tea-tree. It went need a voice, and that voice is generally through the through a stage when it was totally burnt out. It became VEAC reports. They get an opportunity to ensure that a paddock and it has been a paddock up until this they can get their voice to these organisations and make development. Obviously there were cattle on that submissions. When you read the historical reports of paddock, and I do not believe that specific grass could VEAC, there are some groups that, whilst I may not have existed. However, just due to the mapping of it agree with them, have been given an opportunity to that has created some issues there. I think that is have their say. That is probably one of the most important. important parts of the VEAC reports going forward.
That brings us back to the national park, and obviously In closing my remarks on this bill today, I will say that Villawood Investments is actually having to go through probably the most important part about national parks this process of offsetting now. I think it is vital that it is — and I have ended up where I started today — that has that opportunity there. When we talk about national if we expand our national parks, the one thing we need parks and the expansion of national parks, obviously it to ensure is that we protect our volunteers in the future. is something that is of benefit to all in our community. The Country Fire Authority volunteers are the ones National parks are a benefit to our community, and we who go out there and protect our national parks, and
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they ensure that the parks are protected and that if there the review of national vegetation guidelines, the forest is a fire through our national parks, like we have had in industry task force and the inquiry into the chemical the past, they are the first on the scene. We can go back used by the former government for weed sprayers, to Black Saturday, when for the first 6 hours it was only particularly out in Bendigo and other places. Working volunteers out there fighting the fires in Victoria. We with the Australian Workers Union, a union I am a want to make sure that that surge capacity is there if we proud member of, has also been another aspect that we are going to be increasing the size of our national parks, have worked hard on. which we are in this bill by 245 hectares. We need to make sure that we continue that surge capacity and We are working on a full review of the Environment make sure those resources are available for the future. Protection Authority Victoria (EPA), the drafting of a marine and coastal act, the protection of Hanging Rock In saying that, the opposition does not oppose the bill and the addition to the number of free camp sites across and, as I said, we look forward, particularly on the the state after those opposite, the Baillieu and Napthine VEAC scene, to some of the reports that will come governments, sought to introduce a whole range of fees from that. and charges to try to keep families out of our camp sites and national parks, which was scrapped by the Mr CARBINES (Ivanhoe) — I am pleased to Andrews government. One of the key things introduced contribute to the debate on the National Parks and by those opposite — and I remember that we were in Victorian Environmental Assessment Council Acts the regional sitting, I think, in Ballarat — was gold Amendment Bill 2016. In particular, I just start by being declared the Victorian mineral emblem under the asking the house: which was the last government not to Baillieu government. That was about the greatest add to the national park estate here in Victoria? It was contribution they made to environmental protection of course the Baillieu and Napthine governments that here in Victoria. failed to contribute to the national park estate here in Victoria. I am sure that we will continue to ensure and There has been record investment of course in the advocate to advance the interests of the national park Sustainability Fund for us to invest back into the estate here as the Victorian Andrews Labor community and also in the environment contribution government, but for all time it will stand on the record levy. We have invested in Parks Victoria. We have that the previous government was the first in many, increased the number of staff at the EPA. We have many years to not add to the national park estate here in delivered long-term leases to the Arthurs Seat Skylift, Victoria. The party of Hamer and others failed to and the Shipwreck Coast master plan is funded in this expand and advance the interests of the national park budget. There has been a very significant investment estate here in Victoria. that underscores our determination to grow jobs and investment in tourism to bring people to regional The only contribution those opposite added to the Victoria. We have also seen of course record numbers national park estate was to try to introduce fuel of visitation at the Melbourne Zoo. I also say that in reduction units in the form of cattle in the national relation to those opposite we have seen nothing but parks. That was the answer the opposition had to attacks on our environment. They have nothing positive dealing with the threat of fire and bushfires here in to say about the environment. The National Party tail Victoria. That was the additional contribution those wagged the Liberal Party dog when it came to opposite sought to make to the national park estate. I environment policy here in Victoria under the previous am very pleased that among the range of achievements government. the Andrews government has made under ministers Neville and D’Ambrosio has been to ensure that cattle There are a range of aspects in relation to this National are out of the High Country here in Victoria. Parks and Victorian Environmental Assessment Council Acts Amendment Bill that go a long way to I say also that there are no 99-year leases. We have underscoring what the Andrews government’s priorities protected our national parks from overdevelopment by are here in the environment. We are adding to the legislating out 99-year leases, which again was another Greater Bendigo National Park in relation to this bill, aspect driven by the previous Baillieu and Napthine and I look forward to hearing from the member for governments to try to expand development from private Bendigo West. developers in our national parks. We have also seen of course a biodiversity plan from the Andrews I also say that this is about improving the Victorian government, the first in some two decades. It has been a Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC), which is great source of engagement and consultation with chaired by a former member for Warrandyte, a very big regional communities in particular. We have introduced contributor here to the Parliament in the past. We are
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going to make sure that VEAC has that capacity to amendments to VEAC, the Victorian Environmental investigate matters in a fit-for-purpose way so that it Assessment Council, are to broaden that advisory role, can deal with matters that are very specific. I think it is to enable the government to amend a response of the important that our legislation reflects that. This is also government to recommendations of VEAC or the about making sure that we can better respond and former Environment Conservation Council and to make reflect government policy of the day and be more other minor amendments to the act. This is about nimble and adept. I think this legislation allows VEAC making VEAC work better for Victorians. It has a very to respond to those policy decisions of government to critical role to play, as I am sure that through the forest better reflect that, and it also makes sure that the industry task force VEAC will have an important role government has a capacity to better interact with VEAC to play in demonstrating both the economic viability of around public land use and changes in public land use. the national parks estate and also how governments will That is critical to a lot of the work that we are doing. work and legislate to ensure that we continue to grow the national parks estate here in Victoria. Regarding these changes, I know that our engagement in regional Victoria, particularly around the national That is a critical aspiration that the Andrews parks estate, has seen a range of aspects change. government has, and it is one that the previous Regarding the savage cuts by the previous government government failed to deliver on and one in which I to Parks Victoria — Parks Victoria was essentially think we have seen — as we have, again, in the emasculated by the previous government — it is the removal of cattle from the High Country — a very clear Labor government that knows that healthy parks mean demonstration from the Victorian Andrews Labor healthy people, but if you do not have a healthy Parks government of its determination to make sure that parks Victoria, you cannot have healthy parks and you cannot are for people, not for cows. Parks are for people; they encourage people to go to them. If you jack up the fees are not for private businesses or organisations. We all in our camp sites and national parks, you are not going contribute to the national parks estate through our taxes, to encourage people to come to our parks. and we should all benefit from that investment. We all contribute our taxes to Parks Victoria, and we should all People who come to our parks are the greatest benefit from the advocacy, the custodianship and the advocates for protecting our parks. It is about getting work that it does to ensure that our parks prosper and Victorians and their families to those parks to thrive. understand their value so that they want to advocate for them at the ballot box and in our communities and so We must ensure that those who demonstrate and that they become the advocates of the future for our commit their working lives to their passion for the national parks. But if you jack up the fees to keep them environment in that organisation are valued and are out, if you are undermining, undercutting and not given every support from the government to commit delivering for Parks Victoria, it will lack the capacity to and deliver on their task. I do think that the community encourage and regulate our parks to the standard that has very high expectations of Parks Victoria’s role, and Victorians expect. I think the previous government in its significant cuts to Parks Victoria undermined Parks Victoria’s capacity to We have great standards, very high standards, for Parks deliver on the expectations of the Victorian community. Victoria, but if you do not invest in Parks Victoria, if you do not look out for it, if you do not encourage it, if I think that we have demonstrated very clearly through you do not value its staff — the passionate people who a range of investments in our parks that the Victorian dedicate their lives to working in our national parks for Labor government is committed to advancing and the greater good of the community as custodians of protecting the interests of our environment. We have public land — and if you do not demonstrate that as a seen that through the scrapping of 99-year leases for government, then you are saying that parks do not developers. Parks are about our people, and they are matter. If you are saying that, then you are not about ensuring that future generations can value our encouraging people in our community to make sure that parks, understand them and protect them into the future. they are the next generations of Victorians that will That is about investing in them. The Andrews Labor advocate, advance and protect the interests of national government has a lot more to say, and a lot more of our parks estate here in Victoria. deeds will come to pass through the rest of this term. We have made a great start and are looking forward to In summary I say that the amendments to the National the future prosperity of our parks under our minister, Parks Act 1975 in relation to the Greater Bendigo the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate National Park include providing for the addition of Change. approximately 245 hectares to the park. These
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Mr WALSH (Murray Plains) — I rise to make a dogs, let alone blackberries and all the other weeds that contribution on the National Parks and Victorian are in the public estate and that are constantly coming Environmental Assessment Council Acts Amendment out and being washed downstream in the waterways to Bill 2016. It is interesting to follow the member for infest private property. Ivanhoe, the member for No Police Station in Heidelberg West. I correct the record that there were The member for Ivanhoe and members on the other additions to national parks in the term of the previous side of the house might want to wax lyrical about the government, so I think his comment that there were no public estate and how it is great to add more hectares additions to national parks is incorrect. There were a and more area to it, but unless there are the resources number of small additions to national parks through and the commitment to maintain that land properly, it that period of time. does not change very much at all. There is a very good saying that just changing the sign on the front gate to Honourable members interjecting. call an area of land a national park does not deliver a good environmental outcome. The member for Ivanhoe Mr WALSH — It is important to have the truth out and others who might want to make contributions to the there. The truth might not mean much to that side of the debate might want to bear in mind that you have to house, but it is important to have the truth out there on maintain the public estate. Yes, national parks are for those particular issues. people — there is no argument about that; they are definitely for people — but people have to have access This bill does two principal things. In the national parks to them. You have to make sure that tracks are area it adds an additional 245 hectares to the Greater maintained and not overgrown, and you have to make Bendigo National Park. Some of that is in line with the sure that the weeds and vermin are controlled. 2013 recognition of settlement agreement that was signed by the previous government and the Dja Dja Apart from weeds and vermin, the greatest threat to the Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation. The coalition public estate and to national parks is fire, particularly obviously supports that happening, and there has been a large wildfire. In a previous Parliament I was part of the donation from Villawood Investments as part of native parliamentary inquiry into the 2002 and 2006 vegetation offsets. mega-fires in Victoria. Both those fires burnt in excess of a million hectares. A lot of that was public land and The member for Ivanhoe waxed lyrical about how good national park, and because of the fuel load build-up, increasing the size of national parks is, but it is very those fires were very intense fires that caused huge important that whatever national parks we have are well environmental damage to the areas that burnt, maintained. One of the constant complaints that I have particularly in the ash forest areas and some areas that heard as I have travelled around Victoria in my time in burnt twice. the Parliament is that Parks Victoria is the neighbour from hell — that is, because of the weeds, because of If an ash forest burns, it can regenerate, but if it burns the vermin and because of wild animals, Parks Victoria again within the next 15 years, the ability to regenerate is the neighbour from hell. Something we in this place is killed. There is not the seed there for it to grow again. need to bear in mind is that there is a responsibility on On trips that members of that parliamentary committee all landholders in Victoria. There is a lot of made into the high country, we saw that there are a lot responsibility put on private landholders to control of areas of ash forest that will never be ash forest again weeds and to control vermin. There is not that same because the forest burnt twice — once in 2002–03 and responsibility put on public land and particularly on again, as it was regenerating, in 2006. Parks Victoria. Out of that parliamentary inquiry, the recommendation Whether it be foxes, wild dogs or deer that are coming was to effectively have controlled burns for about 5 per out of those areas and doing damage to private land, it cent of the landmass in Victoria. It was a very similar is the private landholder that pays the cost of those number to what ended up coming out of the royal animals coming out. We know that this government commission after the 2009 bushfires. I notice there has does not have a commitment to wild dog control. The been a change of policy by the current government now government has scrapped the bounty and got rid of the that its members have moved away from the hectare Wild Dog Advisory Committee. The government does burn to more of a risk management strategy. That may not have the same commitment. There is only one aerial be fine, but if enough burns are not done — and they baiting program per year instead of two, as happened are expensive and a challenge for the relevant minister under the previous government. There is no to get the budget allocation to do — and a good commitment to controlling vermin, particularly wild controlled burn regime is not maintained, we will end
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up with mega-fires again like we had in 2002, 2003 and is very much to do with national parks and making sure 2006. The greatest loser out of those fires is the they are protected into the future. environment, with the damage that is done to it, because we lose not only the flora but also the fauna, The other thing this bill does is that it changes the particularly small marsupials and those sorts of animals process around how Victorian Environmental that do not have the opportunity to outrun those Assessment Council (VEAC) inquiries are started. mega-fires. There is not only the opportunity to have to go through the cabinet process to have VEAC inquiries done in the What is really interesting with that whole fire issue is future, there is also the opportunity for the minister to that we have the current debate about the Country Fire instigate those particular inquiries. Authority (CFA) and the lack of respect being shown to CFA volunteers by the government, particularly the Again, there are mixed views in the community about Premier. When we have those mega-fires, we rely on the effectiveness of VEAC in terms of some of its the surge capacity of the volunteers that come in and inquiries. I speak on the basis of history in terms of the support Parks Victoria firefighters and Department of inquiry on the red gum park along the Murray River, Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) where the overwhelming majority of the communities firefighters. Teams in my area go away on campaign and the industry there were very, very dissatisfied with fires regularly. They go away for five days, and the the VEAC report and the subsequent closing up of truck stays there, there is a change of shift and the some of those particular areas. Again, as I said before, volunteers come for another five days. Having surge those areas now are infested with weeds and with capacity during those mega-fires and campaign fires vermin because they are not being managed that last for weeks and weeks is how those fires are appropriately into the future. fought. If we as a state lose the commitment and the So I would like to end with a caution to the goodwill of the volunteer firefighters to give up their work, leave their families and travel halfway across the government: yes, you can brag about having more state quite often to go to those campaign fires, the state national parks, but you have actually got to maintain will be the poorer for it. In this case, when we are them properly, you have got to control the fire risk and talking about a national parks bill, the environment will you have to do controlled fire burns to make sure we do not have mega-fires in the future. be the poorer for it as well.
At the moment all the volunteers are saying, ‘We are Ms EDWARDS (Bendigo West) — I am very there for the community, and we will still go and fight pleased to rise to speak on the National Parks and fires no matter what happens’, but there is a real Victorian Environmental Assessment Council Acts Amendment Bill 2016, mainly because this pertains mistrust of the government. There is a lack of faith in the government that its members are going to negotiate specifically to the Greater Bendigo National Park, in good faith around this particular enterprise which of course is right in my backyard. I am very bargaining agreement (EBA). We have heard the excited to be able to say that this new bill will expand rhetoric from the Deputy Premier, who is also the the state park. Minister for Emergency Services, about how the things I would just like to begin, though, by pointing out that that the CFA is saying about the EBA are not true. At the Leader of The Nationals in his contribution chose to this stage I have yet to see anything that proves that the talk about certain things, but I think he has some Deputy Premier is right in what he says, because I think selective memory when it comes to resourcing Parks he is effectively using weasel words. They are hollow Victoria. This side of the house has not forgotten how words to try to gloss over what is an absolute disaster much Victoria’s environment suffered under the four for the government in how its members have been years of the coalition. Just to remind the Leader of The caught out mistreating volunteers here in Victoria and Nationals how much the coalition allocated to assets for their lack of respect for volunteers as well. the environment in 2013–14, I note that it was zero dollars. In its term of government the coalition cut Ms Hutchins — Why don’t you get back to the bill? nearly $650 million from the environment department, Mr WALSH — It is on the bill. This is about which was then the Department of Environment and national parks and making sure they are protected into Primary Industries, and it lost more than 900 staff. the future, and having them protected involves making Parks Victoria lost 1 in 10 staff, and 10 per cent was cut sure that we have a viable and committed volunteer from its budget overall, with 31 per cent cut from its staff at the CFA that can be there to fight those environmental programs. Sustainability Victoria lost mega-fires and those campaign fires in the future. So it
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over a third of its staff, and its ability to engage on bigger would have been a canoe tree. You can also see climate change was stifled under coalition policy. the mounds that were used for cooking that are usually found near natural water sites. Other sites that indicate This government will never, ever cut funding to Parks Aboriginal occupancy include the axe mines, the Victoria or Sustainability Victoria. In fact in the grinding grooves, the stone arrangements, the birthing 2016–17 financial year alone the Andrews Labor trees, the marker trees — grafted trees — and the rock government has provided $55 million in new funding wells. from the Sustainability Fund. Not only is this the largest ever single-year investment from the Sustainability The significance of this for our Dja Dja Wurrung Fund but it is also nearly six times — I repeat, six people is immeasurable. They also have a very strong times — the total amount of new funding provided for association with the box-ironbark forests which dates climate change related initiatives over the entire period back many, many thousands of years. The forest of the previous coalition government. So let us just put provided food, material for tools and shelter. The close some things in context and some facts on the table. association with the forests continues today, and significant Aboriginal sites, as I said, can be found This bill is really important because it amends throughout the area. provisions relating to the Greater Bendigo National Park, adding approximately 245 hectares, which The park also has a very colourful European history, Villawood Investments is donating and which will be particularly in relation to goldmining and eucalyptus oil included in the park. It also corrects some of the line production. In fact one of my late husband’s family work which depicts the park’s boundary and has members was indeed a eucalyptus oil producer in the amendments to simplify the description of those areas park many years ago. The operation is closed down of the park which extend about 100 metres below the now, but I do remember visiting it 20 or 25 years ago; it land’s surface. The amendments will enable the was still operational then. Of course with the gold government to fulfil its commitment of the state to rushes, which began in 1857 and continued right grant Aboriginal title over the park under the through to the 1860s, many signs of the gold rushes, Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 as well as including the alluvial diggings, the old mining dams enhance the park. That is really important, because the and water races, the shafts and mullock heaps, are all Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation has scattered throughout the park. been consulted, and it certainly supports these amendments regarding the park. The box-ironbark forests and woodlands have been extensively cleared for agriculture, goldmining, urban The Dja Dja Wurrung clans, of course, are of the Jaara development and timber, and that is why we absolutely Jaara people, who were the first settlers in our area. I need to protect this park. Only 17 per cent of the have some extracts here I would like to read, and the original box-ironbark vegetation of north-central print is very small, so you will have to bear with me: Victoria remains, and most of that of course is in the Bendigo national park. The Dja Dja Wurrung language group are descendants of the Jaara Jaara people who are traditional owners of this land. Bendigo, as many people would know, is a wonderful, And can I pay my respects to them. It continues: wonderful city, but we are literally a city in the bush. We are indeed surrounded by almost a continuous ring There are many Aboriginal people in the Bendigo region of forests, parks and reserves. But having said that, from many tribes, some have moved here and others that had there are many activities that you can enjoy in those been gathered into the Franklinford mission station found parks and reserves, and they are extremely popular with their way to the Bendigo region. The Aborigines that grew up learning Jaara Jaara culture but were not in the Jaara Jaara our local communities and visitors alike. I was looking bloodline are custodial people. Today, part of the struggle to at the Wander Victoria website today, and I noticed that regain Aboriginal culture is finding and confirming personal the Bendigo national park is actually a place that people identity within the cultural boundaries and genealogy. are recommended to visit from metropolitan Nevertheless, there are many remnants of Aboriginal Melbourne. People can come to Bendigo to see the culture found throughout Bendigo. Some of them may goldfields and visit the Bendigo national park and enjoy go unnoticed when you are walking through the park, all that is has to offer. but as my property actually borders the park I have The vegetation types within the park include the mallee been privileged to see some of these culturally remnants and the box-ironbark and heathy dry forest, identified things. Along the roadside there are some and there are a number of threatened plants and animal scar trees, and there are also larger areas that had been species that rely on the forests around Bendigo. It is not used to make coolamons and war shields. Anything
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just Bendigo that benefits from the national park; there Murray River, which is something people who live in are other state forests that surround Bendigo as well, the north really treasure. Dispersed camping and day including Campbells Creek, with 58 hectares there; the trips to the river are things that are very, very unique Castlemaine and Muckleford state parks; Fryers Range and special to that area and make it extremely livable. and Goughs Range; and the Metcalfe, Sandon and Upper Loddon parks. Of course all of these are easily However, to this day there are still issues around access accessible to people, and I encourage people to come along certain tracks within this particular land and along to our region and have a wander through our access for duck hunters. I have got Stephen Cohrs, one national park and our state parks. of the duck hunters, trying to get clarification as to whether he can carry a firearm across the river red gum The reason that we have the national park in Bendigo is national parks in order to shoot on the 3 Chain Reserve. in no small part due to a great former Minister for There are differing stories coming from everywhere. Environment and Conservation, the Honourable Sherryl Generally he is too scared to go anywhere near the Garbutt, who back in 2002, following an investigation river, because of how Parks Victoria may interpret his of the significance and extent of box-ironbark forests activity. Similarly dispersed camping was hotly and woodlands across Victoria, was able to have that contested, and I think still is being hotly contested, for reclassified to make sure that it had better protection in that area. Despite assurances that that is not the case, the future. Of course the Bendigo forest management we have got bollards around various places, plan incorporated into the national park some constraining where people can move. 1.9 million hectares of public and private land. Another issue that came out of VEAC’s I might just end now because my voice is running out recommendations about river red gum national parks is on me, but can I just say that this is a really important access to firewood. Now, there is not a great deal of bill. It protects the Bendigo national park well into the firewood needed in the Mildura region, but for those future. It also means that by expanding that park there people who do need it, it is generally older people who are more opportunities for people to come and visit our have not updated their situation but are comfortable park and enjoy what it has to offer. I commend the bill with the heating and cooking that is provided by to the house. firewood. They are often not in a position to afford to buy commercial firewood, so they have gone out either Mr CRISP (Mildura) — I rise to make a by themselves or with their children and grandchildren contribution on the National Parks and Victorian and collected a couple of trailer loads of firewood to get Environment Assessment Council Acts Amendment them through the winter. Now that we are designated a Bill 2016. The purpose of the bill is to amend the national park, the firewood is running out. The people National Parks Act 1975 in relation to the Greater in the Mildura region are very unhappy. They keep Bendigo National Park; to amend the Victorian saying, ‘There are 10-year riverbeds with plenty of Environmental Assessment Council Act 2001 to confer firewood’, but they are not allowed to go and get it. additional functions on the council in relation to the conduct of assessments and the provision of advice; and Something that we do know is that there is a fire risk to amend the process for responding to from this. As the fallen timber builds up it creates a recommendations of the council, the former Land considerable fuel load, and older river red gums are Conservation Council and the former Environmental incredibly sensitive to fire. Those trees will withstand a Conservation Council. small fire in the leaf litter. However, they will not withstand a hot fire from falling timber, and now some I think I will leave the Bendigo section to those people of these river bends are at risk of total destruction due who live closer to it. I am going to focus my attention to fire. These are some of the echoes that are coming on the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council through from the VEAC recommendation about this (VEAC) and the provisions therein to expand some of park that was accepted by the previous Labor its powers. By far the most significant impact that government. We now have a whole lot of consequences VEAC has had in my electorate is on the use of the that were not seen or when they were seen were not river red gum national parks. This was something that addressed. We need to find a way forward to harvest in 2007, 2008 and 2009 was very strongly debated in some of the fallen timber to meet the firewood demand my community, and the repercussions of what and protect those forests, because sooner or later there happened there are still being felt through my will be a hot fire in there and we will lose the lot. community. When VEAC inquired into the proposed river red gum national parks, there were a whole lot of Now we notice that Parks Victoria is back in the issues that arose out of that, in particular access to the planning stage. There is a document headed ‘Help us
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plan for Victoria’s river red gum parks’, so the agency Authority (CFA) volunteers. When we look at the is back doing some more consultation. Part of the build-up of fuels in the river bends, you realise it is the problem with all of this consultation that has been CFA volunteers who know the tracks, who know this occurring is that in my area a lot of people view this country like the back of their hands. They have got the with great suspicion and some of them did not even local knowledge, and they have got the local bother to turn up because they figured that the decisions experience — and no doubt they will be the ones who were already made. This is extremely disappointing, will be going into the river bends to try to sort out the and I am hoping that Parks Victoria can continue to fires if and when they occur. work its way through these particular issues as it needs to. Again, it is a disaster that has been a long time in the making. It is going to take a great deal of work by Parks Talking about some of the echoes that come out of what Victoria to convince people that the river red gum park VEAC has done — and I see that in this bill we are benefits them. It is going to take a long time for people giving VEAC more powers and that worries me to think that there is a good reason to give VEAC more greatly — we have had a number of families whose power. I know the bill talks about providing the power lives have been significantly changed if not devastated. to do more investigation and provide more advice to West of Mildura two families were incredibly government, but in many cases I think that VEAC has impacted. The Pippin family at Cowra Station, just been instrumental in giving advice to government that it downstream of Merbein, was impacted because for wants to hear and therefore you end up with a death by whatever reason red rising country, which has not got a a thousand cuts for those people who live near to and river red gum on it, was deemed to be part of the park. enjoy the river. Those people who enjoy the river on the It had been grazing land and cropping land for early whole take care of it during those trips to the river. It is settlers who grew grain crops. The family lost enough vital for people in Mildura, in a hot, dry climate, to of that property for it to have become non-viable, and it have dispersed access to the river, for them to be able to is now on the market. go fishing or waterskiing or to just spend a day by the river where they want to in their favourite spot and not Just past the Pippins’s boundary is Kulnine Station that have access restricted. belonged to the Harmer family. Theirs is the same story — that part of their land was lost, enough to make Parks Victoria has inherited a difficult problem from the property non-viable, and now they are seeking to VEAC. I urge Parks Victoria in its consideration to sell what is left. I think they believe that the make sure that there is as little impact as possible on the government ought to buy that from them at a premium communities, particularly in my area, having access to to counter what has been lost out of their lives on, camping and the other great traditions and family times again, red rising country, which has got little to do with and enjoyment that come from dispersed access to the red gums but is going to be taken. Murray River.
With all this extra land, we come back to what the Mr PEARSON (Essendon) — I am delighted to Leader of The Nationals said in his presentation — that make a contribution in relation to the National Parks if Parks Victoria cannot look after the land, it becomes and Victorian Environmental Assessment Council Acts the neighbour from hell. I am sure it does not want to Amendment Bill 2016. As other speakers have be the neighbour from hell but it has just got too much indicated, the bill amends the National Parks Act 1975 to look after and take care of through all of this. There in relation to the Greater Bendigo National Park, is land it cannot look after, and it will deteriorate. There including providing for the addition of 240 hectares to will be noxious weeds, there will be vermin and there the park as well as making amendments to the will be other pests that will take over that land and Victorian Environmental Assessment Council Act eventually infest other land or when a crisis occurs will 2001. I am particularly interested in the fact that this bill cost a great deal to fix up and the environmental value will facilitate the granting of Aboriginal title to the Dja will only be seen to go backwards. The VEAC process Dja Wurrung people. has led to a flawed outcome. It has ended up badly for the environment, and it has ended up badly for the In preparing for this contribution I was reminded of a people. To be giving extra powers to VEAC is lunch I had a few years ago with Senator Scott Ryan. something to be viewed with suspicion. Scott and I were at Melbourne uni together, and we were on the student council in the early 90s. Scott said With so much of this, it seems too that Labor has gone to me, ‘Look, you should read a book called Guns, out of its way to upset country people. That has been on Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond’. I did, and it was a access to the river and similarly with Country Fire rollicking read. It starts with a scene from the late 1960s
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or early 1970s. I think Jared Diamond was in it with a but also from an economic perspective. Clearly with the guy from Papua New Guinea, and they were walking Enlightenment you saw Jean-Jacques Rousseau in the along a beach. At that stage Papua New Guinea was a late 18th century talk about the rise of the noble territory of Australia as a consequence of Australia savage — the sense that man was corrupted over time having been awarded a class C mandate by the League and that the noble savage as envisaged on a pristine, of Nations after the First World War, when the territory isolated South Sea island or in an isolated or remote had been annexed from Germany and was part of the community like Australia was almost like the high reparations. point of human civilisation.
This gentleman from Papua New Guinea said to, I In many ways what we saw was the corruption of think, Diamond, ‘How come the West is what it is and humanity through the rise of technology. The reality is we’re not like the West?’. So he was asking why it was that, in terms of both germs and also guns and steel, a fact that the West has been quite powerful from an you saw those communities devastated. Despite those ascendancy point of view. In Guns, Germs and Steel notions of enlightenment, when settlers sought to settle Diamond talks about geography and the impact that the lands there were two waves of dispossession of the geography had upon national development. One of the Dja Dja Wurrung people — firstly from the south in theses put forward in Guns, Germs and Steel is that in 1837 and then from the north in 1845. You saw real Western Europe you had a horizontal latitude and you conflict emerge on those frontiers. had easy passage of movement. What that meant was that you did not have contained communities and I remember reading Henry Reynolds for the first time. technological innovations could be replicated because Henry had a really interesting perspective. He was you had a similar climate across the horizontal. writing in the late 1960s. He was in a wide academic Therefore you had instances where technological area, and he was talking about the process of advances could be shifted and changed and moved dispossession as seen through an economic lens. The easily. reality is that fertile farming lands like those in Victoria lend themselves to small-scale agricultural Equally, though, diseases when they arose could be developments, and therefore the tendency would be for easily transferred. Of course when you had the great the settlers to come in and look at trying to cultivate the plague of the 1300s, it had a profound impact upon the land, subdivide the land and graze cattle or sheep. But development of Western civilisation as we know it. The they did not have a requirement for labour. Therefore reality is that the labouring class of Western Europe there was that intrinsic level of conflict that emerged in seized their rights from a labouring perspective and terms of the way in which they engaged with the Dja struck out and that led to the emergence of the middle Dja Wurrung people, so when cattle were killed or class, albeit over the passage of time, whereas the found to be wounded, the settlers reacted badly. bonds of servitude were tightened in Eastern Europe. Nonetheless it meant that, for example, diseases were There was also a lot of sexual conflict whereby white far less likely to have a dramatic impact upon those male settlers on their own out in remote areas sought to communities. abuse Indigenous women. Again there was a degree of conflict because traditionally, as I understand it, there If you look at what happened when white settlement were instances where clans would look at exchanging occurred, you see that the Dja Dja Wurrung people partners as a way of building kinship and ties. There is were devastated by two smallpox plagues in 1789 and an argument that some in the Dja Dja Wurrung may 1825 because of the fact, as Diamond says in his thesis, have looked at it and thought, ‘Well, this is just the way that you had people who had not been exposed to that in which we would try to deal with this new clan, this disease, and when it hit, it devastated those foreign clan, and it is a way we can build kinship ties’. communities. It is interesting to consider the way the The reality is that it led to conflict. Munangabum was Dja Dja Wurrung people talked about those plagues. one of the clan leaders who led some of the fighting They talked in their mythology about Mindye, the giant against dispossession. When he was shot and wounded snake that was sent by Bunjil to blow magic dust over without cause the settlers who had perpetrated his people to punish them for being bad. That was the way wounding were arrested and tried, but because that through Indigenous mythology they tried to explain Aboriginal people could not give evidence in court they something they could not explain, something that was were acquitted. not known. The bill is important because I think it is part of that Of course in many respects Australia, like other nations, process of healing and making reparations for what has was in deep conflict from a philosophical perspective been done. I note too — and I have not read this book,
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but I do want to try to read it when I get a chance — offsets elsewhere, and the land is one-third cleared and that Bill Gammage’s book entitled The Biggest Estate two-thirds native vegetation. The bill makes on Earth — How Aborigines Made Australia talks amendments to the Greater Bendigo National Park of about the way in which this land was cultivated, looked approximately 245 hectares, increasing it from some after and nurtured for hundreds and thousands of years 17 300-odd hectares to nearly 17 600 hectares. The and the way in which when white sellers began to look amendments will also simplify the description of areas at these areas, as they started to dispossess the local of the park which extend to 100 metres below the land Indigenous tribes, they found good land, land that had surface. It is pretty straightforward what that is doing. been cultivated and that had been looked after. It was probably somewhat overgrown because if smallpox had The bill amends the VEAC act to expand its functions come through and decimated those communities in to the carrying out of assessments and to providing 1789 and 1825, with Melbourne then settled in 1835, advice on matters that, because of their limited scale or and settlers were only then starting to make inroads into technical nature, may not warrant investigation, which those communities, it may have been a generation from creates a more flexible process that can be tailored to a the decimation to when they actually started to be particular request. dispossessed of the remnants of that land. You could see that occurring. As the Leader of The Nationals said earlier in his contribution, if you are going to increase the size of The bill is important because again it is looking at parks, it is very important that you manage the parks recognising the wrongs that were done, and it is trying, that you have got appropriately. I have said in this I suppose, to look back and right what was a previous house, as many others have too, that sometimes Parks wrong. The Enlightenment had many great ideas and Victoria can be the neighbour from hell. I have the great concepts in its own way, as did the Reformation example certainly up in my region of Ovens Valley, in terms of what Martin Luther did in broadening out where the blackberries, the wild dogs and the samba and ensuring that there was a degree of education, deer really get out of control. It is beyond a joke, but knowledge and information that was shared and whenever we talk about trying to get some assistance, dispersed amongst the community, but it led to these there never appears to be any money to support that. flashpoints and conflicts and you saw terrible results With the wild dog budget being slashed, again this cost occur in these communities. is picked up by the private sector — that is, the neighbouring landholders. So now, as legislators in the 21st century, by recognising that traditional ownership we are making The member for Ivanhoe was quite misinformed when up for past ill deeds toward the Dja Dja Wurrung he talked in his contribution about the coalition’s people through this important piece of legislation. I savage cuts — or what he claimed were savage cuts — commend it to the house. to national parks and the coalition making no additions to national parks. I refuse to stand here in this place and Mr McCURDY (Ovens Valley) — I am delighted be dictated to by city-centric MPs who claim they to rise and make a brief contribution to the National understand what is going on in the bush. Those Parks and Victorian Environmental Assessment opposite talk about investing in parks and people and Council Acts Amendment Bill 2016. Before I do, I pay supporting national parks, but at the end of the day, if my respects to the Country Fire Authority (CFA) they really want to support country Victoria, they volunteers throughout Victoria and acknowledge the should look no further than the CFA. Instead of land that I live on is protected by the work that they do. declaring war on and trying to dismantle the CFA, they really could do some work there with our volunteers. The National Parks and Victorian Environmental Instead they gloat about their Greens alliance and how Assessment Council Acts Amendment Bill amends the they can support their business partner. National Parks Act 1975 in relation to the Greater Bendigo National Park. It amends the Victorian Certainly the member for Ivanhoe also spoke about the Environmental Assessment Council Act 2001 (VEAC removal of cattle in the High Country. What a cunning act) to broaden the council’s advisory role, and it stunt that was. We are talking about 400 animals in the enables government responses to recommendations by High Country. The cattle do not wallow, and they do VEAC and the former Environment Conservation not disturb the ground. We have got 1.6 million to Council. 2 million samba deer in the High Country, but nothing gets said about that. We refer back to the 400 cattle that The bill provides that Villawood Investments is are going to cause all of this damage. The government donating 245 hectares as native vegetation clearance undermines the CFA, but who is going to be there to
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protect our native vegetation when the fires start? He has anything whatsoever to do with national parks. I also said that it demonstrated very clearly what the ask that you bring the speaker back to the bill. government is committed to — and I agree with that — the war on volunteers and the lack of investment in The ACTING SPEAKER (Mr Pearson) — Order! regional Victoria. it has been a wideranging debate, and I have been as guilty as anyone else in relation to this matter, but I We have all heard the saying, ‘Don’t bite off more than would encourage the member to try to come back to the you can chew’. You must learn to manage what you bill. Alternatively, if he wishes to diverge, he may wish have got already before you start expanding into further to talk about Martin Luther and the Reformation. territories. I certainly hope that those opposite take heed of that warning and start looking at what they have got. Mr McCURDY — While I have the bill in one Clearly there needs to be some reconciliation done hand I feel that I am at least addressing the bill in some between what they currently manage before they want part. It is small but it is important that we have at least more. got the bill close to hand.
Again, I can only see as far as the CFA at the moment, The bill does talk about national parks, and it also because if we lose that passion of those volunteers in mentions the CFA in there somewhere, but that might regional Victoria, we will be vulnerable. The member just be my copy. There is no doubt about it. As I said, for Bendigo West said that Labor will never cut budgets there are big statements from those on the other side, to national parks. That is a pretty big statement. They but again it is their turn to deliver, and we are still will never cut budgets to national parks, yet police waiting for them to deliver. Given the government’s stations are closing, the CFA is being dismantled and constant attacks on what the coalition did not achieve law and order is at an all-time low while crime is and its alliance with the Greens and the unions and their increasing at 12 per cent year on year. Government factions, it is really quite surprising that it managed to members are very quick to stand in this place and be able to organise anything at all. dismantle the CFA and talk about not making cuts, but at the end of the day, what is really important to all of On the bill, I can say that although we are not opposing our communities, not just our regional communities but the National Parks and Victorian Environmental Assessment Council Acts Amendment Bill 2016, we do our metropolitan communities as well, is the mess the government is making of law and order in this state. encourage the government to look after what it has got first, and certainly that includes our volunteers, and the Of course we cannot maintain our environment for the CFA is right at the top of that list at the moment. We people that live in regional Victoria — — know it is only there at the moment because we do not know who is to be next. The State Emergency Service Mr Carroll interjected. (SES) is very concerned at the moment about where things are headed, and we will certainly make sure that Mr McCURDY — We have heard about these we defend the SES like we have the CFA. With that, I 12 sniffer dogs from the member for Niddrie for years commend the bill to the house. and years, but we are still waiting for him to deliver now that he is in government. We are waiting to see Ms THOMAS (Macedon) — It is my pleasure to what he is going to deliver, because he talks about what rise to speak on the National Parks and Victorian we did not do, but it is his turn now. The opportunity is Environmental Assessment Council Acts Amendment ripe, and we are waiting and waiting, but nothing Bill 2016. I congratulate the new Minister for Energy, comes. Environment and Climate Change on bringing this bill to the house, and I note that it is a great step forward to Mr Carroll interjected. have a minister who has the portfolios of energy, environment and climate change — they are all with Mr McCURDY — He has got an ice task force, so the one minister. This is about recognising that we will what has he been able to produce with that ice task not be able to make any impact on the threat of climate force? I think absolutely nothing. You can talk about change unless we support our environment by investing his past — — in renewable energy. I think that is a great step forward, Ms Thomas — On a point of order, Acting Speaker, and I congratulate the minister. of course this debate is taking place late in the day, and The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council a fair amount of latitude has been given to speakers. (VEAC) was established under the Bracks Labor However, the current speaker is talking about the ice government in 2002. I note that in 2000, in the action task force and sniffer dogs. I do not see that that
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second-reading speech for the Victorian Environmental women — I thought it was fantastic to see that my Assessment Council Bill, the Honourable Sherryl predecessor in the seat of Macedon, Joanne Duncan, Garbutt, MP, Minister for Environment and has been appointed to VEAC. As Acting Speaker Conservation said: Halfpenny well knows, Joanne Duncan served in this place for 15 years. I certainly hope to follow in her The government strongly believes that the quality of life of all footsteps in that regard. I had the opportunity earlier Victorians depends on properly managing our environment and protecting our precious natural and cultural heritage. today to read through Joanne’s valedictory speech, and Decisions made by government should ensure that Victoria is she did note that it was historic that she won that not running down its natural assets and thereby building an previously safe Liberal seat back in 1999. She had held environmental debt. The government has committed to it ever since, and indeed she won it when through a building in the principles of ecologically sustainable development to all government decision-making. kind of sleight of hand at the time, the Liberal Party decided it wanted to impose Rob Knowles on the That was a great step forward in this state under the people of Macedon, or Gisborne as it was then. That Labor Bracks government. Of course we all know that did not go so well. Sherryl Garbutt followed in the footsteps of that other great environment minister, Joan Kirner. We on this Joanne has been appointed to VEAC, and that is side of the house had occasion to again reflect on and fantastic. Members in this house will know that over celebrate Joan Kirner’s life and her extraordinary the entire period of her time in this place, Joanne was contribution to this state at an unveiling of a portrait of on the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. Joan in our party room last night. She served on that committee for 15 years. You will not meet anyone more passionate about protecting our The bill amends the Victorian Environmental natural environment — protecting it but also having a Assessment Council Act 2001 to establish an realistic and pragmatic approach to matters such as alternative and more flexible process which will enable forestry. One of the issues Joanne talks about is that in VEAC, when requested by the minister, to carry out an the very early 2000s she was faced with managing a assessment or provide advice on matters that, because dispute in the Wombat State Forest around what would of their limited scale or scope or their technical nature, be sustainable logging practice within that forest. With might not require an investigation under the currently Joanne’s advocacy, quite an innovative approach was available process. This aims to establish a process fit established, with the Wombat forest community forest for task that can be tailored to a particular request. The management cooperative process being put in place. I bill will also enable government responses to can tell members that to this day people associated with recommendations of VEAC or the former Environment the Wombat forest and people in Wombat Forestcare Conservation Council (ECC) to be amended. Any speak exceedingly highly of Jo and the work that she amendment must be tabled in Parliament and did there to balance out those competing interests. I published. The tabling and publication requirements are take this opportunity to commend Gayle Osborne for extended to amendments or revocations of the work that she does with Wombat Forestcare. recommendations of the former Land Conservation Council to provide greater transparency. Those opposite talked a lot in their contributions about volunteers, and not always in relation to this bill. I Other minor amendments to the act include updating would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and the definition of public land to remove redundant thank all of those Landcare volunteers, all of those elements and clarifying that there is no need to friends of our parks, our gardens and our forests out advertise vacancies on VEAC for additional members there in our community — the unsung heroes of the who may be appointed because of their technical environment movement who provide much-needed care expertise relating to a particular request. The to our public lands. I want to congratulate them. amendments will enhance the usefulness of VEAC and enable government responses to VEAC and ECC I am very, very blessed in my electorate, an electorate recommendations to be amended as a result of changed of course all members are welcome to visit at any time circumstances or government policy. they choose. I will very happily take them on a lovely walk through the Hepburn Regional Park or the I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge that as Lerderderg State Park. I could take them to Hanging part of this government’s commitment and that of our Rock. One of the first things this government did was to Premier to increasing the representation of women on move to ensure that Hanging Rock will be protected government boards — and indeed the Premier has now and into the future by ensuring that there is proper boldly stated that under this government at least 50 per community consultation in place and proper care of cent of all appointments to such boards will be Hanging Rock’s environmental values. I could take
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them to Macedon Regional Park or Hepburn mineral congestion-causing level crossings across Melbourne springs. There is lots to see and do any time that but also fund the Agriculture Infrastructure and Jobs members would like to come and visit some of the Fund. That has an emphasis on boosting exports and beautiful parks we have in the Macedon electorate. supporting Victorian farmers from paddock to port. Given the recent issues facing our highly efficient and Going back to the bill, of course I commend it to the export-focused dairy farmers and the general house. That goes without saying, and I wish it a speedy concentration of them in northern Victoria, along with passage. This is but one of Labor’s many achievements the many other export-focused primary industries, I am in regard to protecting our natural environment and looking forward to seeing some well-funded positive national parks. Under Labor governments we saw a initiatives in my electorate from the fund. I will work major expansion of the parks system in the 1980s and with the government closely to identify the sorts of early 1990s, including in East Gippsland, the Victorian initiatives that we would like to see in our region. Alps and the Mallee. We have seen a significant expansion of protected wilderness areas. We have seen There are many areas I have mentioned. Some of them new and expanded box-ironbark parks and a perhaps I would have liked the time to expand on more. world-class representative system of marine national Many relate to infrastructure, and it is a travesty that parks and marine sanctuaries. Of course the Great here in Victoria we receive only 9.7 per cent of Otway National Park and the Point Nepean National Australia’s infrastructure funding. As a result regional Park were also delivered by a Labor government. The Victoria receives only 3 per cent of that. There is much Otway forest park was created as well as new and to be done at a federal level to make sure that Victoria expanded river red gum parks. gets its fair share of that infrastructure funding, and I find it quite extraordinary that in this current federal Since coming to government in 2014 we have been election campaign there is so little said about that and hard at it. One of the first things we did — and one of so little advocacy for Victoria to receive its fair share of the first bills I spoke on, and very proudly so — was to that infrastructure funding. reinstate the ban on cattle grazing in the High Country. When we talk about political opportunism and poor One of our communities’ responses to the social decision-making, we need look no further than the distress in our region is that community leaders have ridiculous piece of legislation the coalition pushed got together and set up the Greater Shepparton through when it was in government to let cows back Lighthouse Project. This is a project that is taking a into a national park. Cows do not and never will belong long-term approach to dealing with social disadvantage in national parks. This is a great bill. I commend it to in our area. It looks to the notion of ‘from conception to the house. career’, so it is looking at young people’s starts in life. The project is an influencer rather than a deliverer of Debate adjourned on motion of Mr DONNELLAN services, and I will be seeking to facilitate discussions (Minister for Roads and Road Safety). with our education, health and human services and other ministers and our lighthouse project team to Debate adjourned until later this day. ensure that government departments and agencies are supportive of this project at a state and local level and BUDGET PAPERS 2016–17 that we work to cooperate in putting in place a number Debate resumed from 7 June; motion of of projects that have been identified as highly important Mr FOLEY (Minister for Housing, Disability and for our region. The project proponents are firmly of the belief that, in addition to resources in the form of Ageing): money, the Greater Shepparton community will be well That this house takes note of the budget papers 2016–17. served by more effective coordination and utilisation of existing resources, many of which are controlled or Ms SHEED (Shepparton) — It gives me pleasure to funded by government. rise to make my closing remarks in relation to the budget papers take-note motion before this house. I had What does this mean for government? Government can spent some time discussing the Shepparton electorate often be much more effective by regulating, and many of the needs of our region and also deregulating, facilitating or really being innovative with congratulating the government on providing the its powers. In closing, I will continue to work hard for funding for the redevelopment of Goulburn Valley my electorate to ensure that its needs are highlighted Health, our local hospital. But I also note that the and brought to the attention of government, particularly expected lease of the port of Melbourne will not only in pre-budget negotiations. provide the money to remedy 50 dangerous and
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Ms WILLIAMS (Dandenong) — It is my pleasure vulnerable and the people who care for them. It is an to rise in support of a great Labor budget — a budget outrage, and it is a national disgrace. Scott Morrison, grounded in fairness. There is much to be proud of in the federal Treasurer, will not talk about that. Malcolm this budget. It reminds me of what our motivation Turnbull wants to hide that fact. But be in no doubt, the should be in sitting in this place, and that is to deliver federal budget was every bit as brutal as the infamous for our communities, to make this state strong and to 2014 budget. In fact it is the 2014 budget; it has not look to the future and prepare for it — basically, to changed a thing. The federal government needs to be leave the place better than we found it. And there are honest about that. few who would doubt that Victoria is a much better place today than it was under the previous government. But now to return to a great Labor budget that was It is a stark contrast — four years of inactivity, handed down in the April just gone, I would like to use self-indulgence and neglect versus 18 months so far of my contribution to primarily speak about the initiatives hard work, activity, investment and progress. that impact on my electorate of Dandenong. I doubt I will have time to get to them all. As I have said before While I am contrasting, I think it is fair to say that the in this place, Dandenong is a vibrant, hardworking Victorian budget handed down in late April is community. We are a community that is not understood everything that the federal budget, handed down a week by the conservatives, and they have never delivered for later, was not. Our budget goes to the heart of fairness. us. Those opposite have always taken a paternalistic It looks after our most vulnerable and offers solid view of communities like Dandenong, and it is budgets support for the businesses that support our workforce. like this one that set Labor apart. It is budgets like this Our budget has heart, but it also has smarts. In contrast, one that show the people of Dandenong the respect they the federal coalition budget was underwhelming and deserve. utterly unimpressive. It was limp. It was so boring on its surface that you could be mistaken or inclined to In last year’s budget we saw a $10 million investment think that the Turnbull government was hoping that you in Dandenong secondary schools, funding stage 1 of the might forget it even existed. It offered nothing for Lyndale Secondary College rebuild and further works low-income earners. It offered no vision. But the worst at Dandenong High School in its redevelopment. This of it was what lurked beneath its surface, the sinister year we have built on this. We built on our commitment reality that was buried beneath it, and that is this: it to education and our commitment to creating maintains the brutal cuts of 2014 — cuts to schools and opportunity irrespective of a person’s background. higher education, cuts to Medicare and cuts to families Across Victoria we are investing $924 million in new and pensioners. and upgraded schools. In Dandenong we have contributed to progress on the rebuilds of Lyndale As the Parliamentary Secretary for Carers and Secondary College by funding the planning of stage 2 Volunteers and as somebody with two relatives with an so the project can continue without delay delivering for intellectual disability, I was disgusted to see the students the educational facilities they deserve. We $1.6 billion in savage cuts to disability supports that have also provided funding to Dandenong West vulnerable Victorians rely on. It means that some Primary School so it can draw up plans for a 30 000 people with disabilities — people like my much-needed upgrade. This is a school committed to Aunty Jeanette and Uncle Paul and another aunty, supporting its community. Principal Bev Hansen Aunty Kate, who passed away before I had a chance to fundamentally understands that her school is more than know her — have their disability payments cut and just about classrooms, spelling and sums; it is about their capacity to work reassessed. The commonwealth supporting community, supporting families and making has cut support and will no longer provide incentives a lasting difference. for businesses to create meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities. We have also delivered $350 000 to Wooranna Park Primary School so that it can upgrade its outdoor play Prime Minister Turnbull has also axed a vital spaces. Wooranna Park is an innovative and dynamic information campaign, a campaign that could not be local school, and it gets quite a lot of international more important at this time, in the lead-up to the launch attention for the programs it runs, but its outdoor spaces of the national disability insurance scheme on 1 July. are tired, and the kids frankly deserve better. This The federal budget constitutes a broken promise; it funding will transform the school’s outdoor space, broke Mr Turnbull’s promise to deliver on disability making it as vibrant and as special as its indoor spaces. housing, training and support for advocacy to ensure that people with a disability can live their lives the way I will move on to speaking about jobs. The south-east they want to live them. These cuts betray our most has been hit hard by the loss of the auto industry, and
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there is no shying away from that, but it is important futureproofing of sorts, opening the door to further that we do not forget or ignore the hundreds of additions and developments into the future. businesses in the region that continue to grow, thrive and innovate. Dandenong has a pretty impressive I mentioned earlier that the closure of the auto transport manufacturing presence, whether it be trains, manufacturing sector has hit Dandenong hard. trams, trucks, buses or caravans — you name it, we Previously the south-east had been neglected by make it. We had them all on display in central governments. Our workforce was ignored, despite the Dandenong a couple weeks ago with the Smart fact that we employ about half of the auto supply chain Manufacturing 16 event organised by the Committee workforce here in Victoria. But we were not ignored by for Dandenong, the South East Melbourne the Andrews Labor government. Last year we Manufacturers Alliance, the City of Greater Dandenong announced $46.5 million for the Victorian automotive and dozens of businesses across the region. transition plan, which provides a range of supports for auto workers and businesses. This year we are This budget funds 27 new VLocity carriages to be committing a further $10 million to support businesses made in Dandenong by Bombardier. That is a that hire auto industry workers affected by the $280 million investment. This builds on the 21 VLocity upcoming closure of those major car manufacturers. carriages that were ordered last year, meaning that this The south-east, as I have said, is home to over half of Labor government has ordered 48 new carriages. This Victoria’s auto supply chain workforce, and these is in addition to the 20 new E-class trams funded in last measures are vital to providing local workers and year’s budget, which are also being manufactured by businesses with job opportunities and hopefully job Bombardier. The new trains are part of our rolling stock security into the future. strategy. This strategy sets out a 10-year plan for new trains and trams for Melbourne, giving businesses like Previously in this place I have spoken about the Bombardier greater certainty and workers more job investment by this government in transitioning the security. automotive sector in the inner south-east. We have invested $8.4 million to strengthen skills training and We have also invested $53 million for the job search support in Melbourne’s south-east, and the establishment of the Jobs Victoria Employment south-east was also the beneficiary of a $10 million lift Network, which will help people find employment fund, which aims to stimulate private investment to faster so they do not drop out of the job market. There create sustainable jobs and economic activity in the is $5 million over the next two years to go to a new region. Our former Minister for Industry, the member Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre, which will for Mill Park, was tireless in her dedication to industry be in Narre Warren and will be of benefit to my and workers in the south-east. I know that our new community in Dandenong as well. We have also given minister will be equally devoted, and I look forward $116 million to establish 10 new tech schools, one of over coming years to working closely with him, just as which will be in Casey. Students will be able to attend I did with the member for Mill Park, because I know school at the same time as they develop their hands-on that this government, no matter who is in that portfolio, skills, meaning we are opening more doors for them is particularly dedicated to this area and is particularly and closing none. dedicated to the workforce that works within it.
I would also like to talk a bit about transport. I have This government has also worked hard to ensure that talked about the benefit to Dandenong of our Victoria is an inclusive place. This includes embracing investment in transport infrastructure — namely, those our multiculturalism and our ethnic diversity. To this train carriages. But we cannot talk about transport end we have invested $49.13 million for three without mentioning the Melbourne Metro rail project. initiatives to support refugees, asylum seekers and new The Andrews government has fully funded this project, migrants. It will deliver greater support for English as a a project that constitutes the biggest transformation to second language. I want to specifically mention our our public transport system since the construction of the investment of $24.3 million in extra funding to support city loop. This project will enable more trains to run in multiculturalism, including fairer legal assistance to and out of the city by giving the Cranbourne, Pakenham refugees. All up we have almost doubled the amount of and Sunbury lines their own tunnel through the CBD. funding for multicultural services in two years, and I This is a huge benefit to train commuters in my think that is something to be incredibly proud of. electorate who travel on the Cranbourne and Pakenham Dandenong is the most multicultural electorate in lines. This project is essential to the future development Victoria, with over 60 per cent of my community of our train network and in that sense constitutes a having been born overseas, and many of these people are from refugee backgrounds. I am very proud to be a
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part of a government that works to remove the barriers Increasingly the claim that Labor governments are bad to a quality education for these people and a economic managers is being revealed to be exactly government that is acting to create opportunity and what it is — a bald-faced lie with no connection to level the playing field. reality. It is a mistruth and a distortion, plain and simple. Recently I was pleased to read an article by Despite the attempts of those opposite to claim law and Stephen Koukoulas in the Guardian, who wrote: order as their domain, we know that this is just hubris with no factual basis whatsoever. We heard our new … the ABS data shows that average quarterly GDP growth police minister speak recently in this place about and average monthly increases in employment are stronger when Labor has been in government compared with the Labor’s record funding for additional sworn police coalition. officers. Over the past 15 years this has only been achieved with Labor funding. This year we have funded Even recently dumped federal Liberal MP Dennis an additional 406 sworn police officers. I think that is Jensen a few weeks ago described the coalition as ‘the also something to be very proud of. We have also worst economic managers’. I think the same is true at a committed $19.4 million to continue and expand the state level, and this budget — an Andrews Labor community crime prevention program to provide grants government budget — is a demonstration of great that promote safety in communities across Victoria and economic management. It delivers a budget surplus of prevent crime at its source. We have also invested $2.9 billion 2016–17 and an average surplus of $32 million to expand the Drug Court to include a new $2.1 billion a year across forward estimates. The Melbourne Drug Court. This will complement the economy is forecast to grow by 3 per cent in 2016–17, existing Drug Court in Dandenong, a court that is which is above the 2.75 per cent forecast in last year’s widely regarded as a great success story in this state and budget. Net debt is below the levels inherited by the one that, as a member for Dandenong, I get comments previous Liberal government, and the unemployment on quite frequently — and all positive I am proud to rate has fallen from 6.9 per cent under the previous say. government to 5.7 per cent. It is projected to fall further in 2018–19. In our time in government we have seen Family violence is an issue that not only needed to be 112 600 more people get into work, and 71 100 of those put on the agenda but needs to stay on the agenda, and are full-time jobs. I think that is something to be very our commitment to tackling it must be backed by proud of. Those figures may be even greater for the last meaningful action. We are doing just that. There is few weeks. $572 million in statewide funding over the time ahead to respond to the recommendations of the Royal Needless to say, Victoria’s AAA credit rating was Commission into Family Violence — this includes confirmed within hours of the Treasurer’s budget more housing and crisis refuges, more counsellors, speech. It took credit ratings agencies no time at all to more prevention programs and more support for recognise the strength of Victoria’s economy and, children who are the victims of family violence but are through this, the strength of our economic leadership. sometimes forgotten. This package will deliver 65 of the royal commission’s most urgent findings. I think we This government has delivered more in two budgets can all get on board with the significance of that. than the previous government did in four. I think that is widely agreed by commentators across the state and I would also like to touch on palliative care. As the across the country. We have kept to our values, and we Parliamentary Secretary for Carers and Volunteers, I have invested fairly and equitably. For that reason, it is have been doing some work in the past year in the a great Labor budget. It is a budget to be proud of, and I end-of-life care space, and I have seen firsthand the look forward to delivering many more just like it. incredible work of our specialist palliative care services. I am thrilled to see in this budget that the Mr BATTIN (Gembrook) — It is probably no government has supported Very Special Kids to secure surprise that I am going to speak about the Country Fire the ownership of its Malvern hospice, thanks to a Authority (CFA) in part of my contribution to the $3.45 million grant to buy the property, where it debate on the budget today. Obviously it is a fairly supports more than 90 families across Victoria who important topic. I am going to start with the State have a child with a life-threatening illness. Many in this Emergency Service (SES). One of the very important place will have spoken to parents whose child has gone roles of the SES is delivering during and after fires and through Very Special Kids and will have been touched storms. Its volunteers go out and protect the by those stories, as I was. In particular I have in mind a community. They help after floods. They do so much in little boy called Marmaduke and his family. our community, and a lot of the time, as we all know, it is thankless.
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The Emerald SES has been very active in our that funding, but the state government said it is not community for a long time. Just prior to the last going to do it. Now the federal Labor Party has come election its members approached the previous out and said it wants to put that $500 000 forward and government and sat down and spoke about the make it a $1 billion project, but the state government difficulties they were facing in their current building, still will not comment on it; it still will not come out which is located just behind the junior football ground. and support it. It is basically a tin shed. They have four vehicles there, and they have a limited area for training. You would Commuters in my area are sick of it. The day we were probably say it is quite dangerous in the limited area putting down some notes for this speech was National they have. They came to us before the last election and Nightmare Commute Day — a day for people to go out said they needed to start considering looking at there and talk about the issues they have in peak-hour upgrades and what they could do. We made a traffic getting to and from work. On that day it was commitment to them of $1.8 million for that upgrade. absolutely terrible to get onto the Monash Freeway. But that is normal; you can guarantee that any day. If you Emerald SES members also approached the Victorian hop onto the Monash out in Berwick, it can take up to Labor Party. The local candidate, Collin Ross, came up 2 hours to get into the city. We have further growth and spoke to them and at that time said he would see down there, with plans for new houses to be built. We what he could do and would try to work on that in the have extra people moving into the area — we have future. Since then, they have been asking for the 10 families per day moving in between Casey and Minister for Emergency Services to come out, and the Cardinia — and all these people are going to have to member for Monbulk has kept saying, ‘I’ll work with get onto a road, particularly the freeway, to get to work. you to try to get the Minister for Emergency Services We need to make sure that the road network is out’. Now I suppose we are lucky because we have the improved for there to be access and increased viability. Minister for Emergency Services in the electorate next door, so it will not be far for him to drive — across the The current budget that the government has delivered road — to come up and visit the Emerald SES. I am for Monash Freeway, without the federal funding, will sure that when he comes up there he will be able to allow for an extra 2000 vehicles on that road per day. If explain to them why there is no funding for this what the government says is the case, that work is not building. going to start until 2018 and be finished in 2019 — if it is the case that it is going to start in 2018 and be The Emerald SES members wrote in and said they had finished in 2019. With 10 families moving in per day, an issue in relation to bathrooms and trying to keep the simple maths are that 60 per cent of families from women and men volunteers involved, but instead of one of those electorates and 70 per cent from the other getting any funding to change anything, they got will be using the freeway to get to and from work, so delivered a portaloo. The portaloo was put just outside there will actually be 6000 extra vehicles on the road by that building, and they were told, ‘Here you go. Here’s the time the government delivers a project that will your secondary toilet’. That does not actually suit what allows for an extra 2000 vehicles. So it will be they need for the services up there for the men and 4000 vehicles behind. That is not planning. That is not women who go out and protect our community. I think looking to the future. That is not even a bandaid. That is it is vital that they get the funding for this in the future. not going to fix the issue we have down in the Casey We committed to it before the last election, and I will growth corridor. be sure to push through that we want this delivered in the next budget. Obviously it is not in this one. Again, it I call on the members for Narre Warren North and is a disappointment for the area. Narre Warren South to come out and actually say, ‘We need this project delivered. We need a full fix for the I turn to talk about the Monash Freeway, which is Monash Freeway, not just something that is half — not obviously very important in my electorate, and I cannot a bandaid that is not going to fix it at all’. believe it. We are actually lucky; we have the Minister for Roads and Road Safety at the table. Everybody The Casey Hospital is something that prior to the last wants to hear this one. The minister for roads, when we election parties on both sides agreed on. At the time of mentioned the federal government committing to a the agreement the Labor Party came out and said, ‘We $1 billion plan — $500 000 million from it and will have $106 million, $107 million, towards the new $500 000 from the state — said on the record that it Casey Hospital, and we will have it delivered in this was ‘a bird-brained idea’. It is such a bird-brained idea next term of government’. It is quite interesting, that the Liberal Party has been pushing this for a fair because when we get to the budget — it is a while federally and said that it is going to commit to $106.3 million project — and see how much will be
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delivered of $106.3 million, there is $2 million towards they felt comfortable and somewhere they could go and planning. talk about other issues because of the suicide rate being so high for students in the first year of leaving school. An honourable member interjected. No funding was committed, but the school has not given up. We are going to keep pushing forward with Mr BATTIN — Thank you very much. It might them, and we still want to see that delivered. have been $6 million, but it is only $2 million towards planning, and the rest of it does not show in the forward The only thing we have seen now is that obviously the estimates. Yet the government is saying it is now not state government has again ignored it; it will not put in going to be completed until probably 2020. That is not the funding for this million-dollar project that is so the commitment it went to the election with; it went to important in my electorate. I will not go quiet on this the election with the commitment it would be built and one. We have got to make sure this gets delivered to the ready to go in that term of government, and now we see area, and we will make sure that it is delivered. it has been pushed out to 2020. Ms Graley interjected. This is actually the prime opportunity to show how poorly this government is working. Just across the road, Mr BATTIN — I note the member for Narre St John of God is building a new hospital. It has gone Warren South makes a comment. It is a state issue, and through the planning stage, starting at a similar time. It the state government will not do it. Do not try to pass is actually going to build a four-level hospital. It is the buck. The member for Narre Warren South should going to have 250 beds, and not only is it going to be stand up for the community, not sit there and start ready before 2020; it will be ready and open in 2017. In calling out for somebody else — — the same time this government will only do some planning to expand the hospital, St John of God will be Ms Graley interjected. up, ready to go, built and functioning. I think it is an absolute disgrace that this government talks about Mr BATTIN — Simon Curtis has done nothing for it down there — absolutely nothing. It is a state issue Casey Hospital when it has not even got the funding in the budget, or it says it is in some contingency further the member has ignored for all these years, and she down the track. continues to ignore it, and that is the problem.
I have mentioned Berwick Secondary College many Mr Donnellan interjected. times in this place. Berwick Secondary College in Mr BATTIN — The member for Narre Warren relation to youth suicide is something that we are all South and the member for Narre Warren North are very cautious about; we all know a lot about it. It is sad silent on it in this chamber. Maybe if they spoke about to say that we have had a huge growth in the rate of it in this chamber, that funding would be there. The youth suicides in that area. It is something the whole members should not pretend to have a bit of faux anger community needs to band together and make sure we now. They should actually go out there, stand up for it have got the best assets as well as the best community and bring it up in here — actually stand up and do it. to fight this and work with young people in relation to They will not do anything. mental health. We have been lucky in the past that we have had organisations like headspace come down to Mr Donnellan interjected. the area. We have had programs run through universities and through local groups as well, getting Mr BATTIN — I will just get that right. We are young people involved in the community. talking about youth suicide, and you want to sit there and call me a loser? That is fantastic from the member Berwick Secondary College has been asking for a for Narre Warren North. We will keep that on record, health and wellbeing centre. It was committed to at the because that was a bird-brained idea he just came up last election. We worked with the principal during our with. Well done. last stage in government when the school came to us and wanted $1 million. We took the then Premier, We also want to talk about emergency services in Denis Napthine, there at the time when it was explained Victoria. Emergency service in Victoria is something why it was so important to the community and what that we all want to support. We want to make sure that this particular centre would be able to do. It was not just going forward we have the strongest emergency for the students while at the school; it was also for them services we can get. The CFA is going through a very 12 months after leaving school, giving them an difficult time at the moment, and we all know that. It is opportunity to go back and have somebody with whom on record what is being done there. The disgrace is to
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have an enterprise bargaining agreement that is going to extra staffing; that is solely an increase in employee be pushed through which will potentially cost expenses. $600 million to $700 million and which will hand control of the CFA across to the United Firefighters We have a typical Labor budget. State taxes are going Union with 50 vetos in place, and those are not the to jump by $3.7 billion, public sector wages will be up comments from this side of the house; those comments 15.2 per cent, there is no funding for State Emergency are from people who are respected. Those are Services (SES) capital works and Labor has broken its comments from the Crown counsel appointed by this promises on presumptive legislation. Whilst all that is government. These are issues that this government has very bad, add to that that this government is now even created. removing something as simple and cheap as free entry for kids to Victorian zoos. How could you take that Then on top of that, for our volunteers, we heard the away? It is a small item that gives so much to families former Minister for Emergency Services today talk across Victoria. They could go to zoos at no charge at about the commitment made at the last election in all. We had major events with a lot of young people relation to the presumptive legislation. While those coming at no charge to give people an opportunity they opposite were speaking about presumptive legislation would not normally get. specifically for career firefighters, we were looking at it specifically around putting it in place going into the I am going to finish by talking specifically about that future and making sure it was equal for all firefighters, EBA at a $600 million to $700 million cost to and we will continue to push for that to make sure that government. Where is that money coming from? this government delivers that. This budget still does not Where is the $600 million to $700 million coming from deliver on presumptive legislation. The current Minister that the Premier is signing up for with a for Emergency Services, the Deputy Premier, stated at cabinet-approved EBA for the CFA? In finding this that time that this was going to be there in the first $600 million to $700 million we will have two options. 100 days; the government was going to deliver it in the Either it is going to have to come from a fire services first 100 days. We have a statutory declaration saying levy, which has already been put up by 7 per cent by he said that, but he did not do it. The next thing was that those opposite because they do not how to manage it would be 18 months. The government was going to money, or as an alternative those funds will have to be deliver it in 18 months, but 18 months has passed and it found elsewhere from the CFA budget. If you have to is still not even listed in the budget. If the government is find $600 million to $700 million over a period of four going to explain it now, where is it going to come from years, you are using about a quarter of the CFA budget in the budget? It has not been stated anywhere in there to cover those costs, and that means a reduction in and it is vital that this presumptive legislation gets trucks, that means a reduction in stations, that means a brought in and it is vital that it is made equal for all reduction in capital equipment and that means a firefighters. reduction in community safety. People have already gone on the record to express their concerns about the Honourable members interjecting. reduction in community safety.
Mr BATTIN — I will take up one of the The former chair of the CFA — the one sacked by interjections in relation to the funding. The funding those opposite, who has delivered and is passionate over four years under a coalition government in about CFA — has said that this EBA is potentially Country Fire Authority (CFA) services increased each dangerous. He has gone on record and said that the cost and every year above what it had been under the former will be between $600 million and $700 million, whilst government. Never once did it go below the amount the government is trying to say it is going to cost provided in the budget of the Labor Party. The extra $140 million to $160 million over four years. These amount in relation to the bushfires royal commission costs are a long way apart, and they need to be worked for one year was for capital investment, and that is open out. There needs to be an Auditor-General’s review to for everybody to see. If members would like more look at them. Obviously those on the other side of the information, I would be more than happy to circulate house do not have the competence to understand the that. budget at all. Obviously they do not have the capability to understand it. They need to sort this out and make The biggest concern arising from this budget is in sure funding is in place for the future. They need to relation to the enterprise bargaining agreements (EBAs) have a review so that we can ensure safety. We need to across the state. Employee expenses are going to go up make sure that Victorians remain safe. by $2.8 billion. That is not for putting on extra police or
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The CFA is the lifeblood of the community and does so As I have said, ‘Getting It Done’ is the theme of this much for the community in my area. We must now budget, and it is certainly not just about talking but stand up and respect CFA members. We must now about delivering the things that matter to most stand side by side with our volunteers, and I invite Victorians. The things that matter to most Victorians, those opposite to stand side by side with them and and certainly to the people of Narre Warren South, are make sure an EBA that is fundamentally unfair does around hospitals, schools, jobs and transport. not go through. More importantly, it is an EBA that is simply unlawful. The budget papers very clearly show a new strength and a new confidence in the Victorian economy. When Ms GRALEY (Narre Warren South) — For the we had that lazy, crazy government from the benches of benefit of the shadow Minister for Making Things Up, I the Liberal-Nationals coalition, Victoria was competing would just like to begin by quoting from the with Tasmania at the bottom of the league tables, but Bible — — now our economy is indeed the fastest growing economy in Australia. We are posting a surplus of Mr Battin — On a point of order, Acting Speaker, $2.9 billion, and residential approvals were at a new members must be referred to by their correct titles. We record level of $21.3 billion in 2015. We have also had have been pulled up on this side continually for that. If the largest fall in unemployment of all states since the member for Narre Warren South would like to refer November 2014 and population growth of 1.7 per cent to me by my correct title, it would be appreciated. annually, the highest of all states and territories. That is because this government is making sure that Victoria is Ms GRALEY — I believe the member for a place that people want to come to live and raise their Gembrook is the shadow Minister for Emergency families in. As the Treasurer said when he was Services. Is that correct? Yes. Thank you. The member delivering his speech, Victoria is winning again. might like to listen to what I have to say, because I am going to quote from the Bible for his benefit. There is As the Premier, the leader of our party, is so fond of one line in the Bible that I do believe in. It says about reminding us — and he does so rightly — we have the the Godly talk: responsibility of governing for all Victorians, and that means we have to make the right investments. It also Not by their Godly talk but the fruit of their actions you shall know them. means that growth must be shared fairly across the state. As the budget papers show, one of the hallmarks Under the theme ‘Getting It Done’ this budget is an of this budget is that every Victorian should be entitled immense example of a government not just repaying to their fair share, and this budget certainly goes about the trust of the Victorian people in delivering on its that in the right direction. election promises but also not wasting a moment — not wasting the privilege of government and not wasting I will give this government’s commitment in the health the honour of serving — in improving the quality of life area as an example. Our commitment is that all of all Victorian people. Now that the member for Victorians will have better access to elective surgery Gembrook has left the — — sooner. The boost of $167 million in the 2016–17 budget will mean 24 206 more shoulder repairs and Honourable members interjecting. 6764 more hip replacements. I do not know about the members opposite, but over the years I have had people Ms GRALEY — He has gone to have a sooky la-la, continually come into my office saying that they wish as the member for Narre Warren North said, but I they could have their hip replacement earlier. This would just like to correct something that he did say. government is making sure that patients do not live in The member for Gembrook said that the government pain but get into those surgery wards to get new hips. was stopping children from going to the zoo. However, Hip replacement surgery is life changing for a lot of I see a press release from the Premier announcing: people. … that the upcoming 2015–16 state budget will provide $5.8 million to ensure visits by children aged under 16 remain This funding will also provide 6000 additional knee free on weekends, public holidays and state school holidays. replacements, over 22 000 sinus and middle-ear procedures and nearly 20 000 more gall bladder You really cannot believe much that the member for removals. It is an astonishing fact that a lot of people Gembrook has to say. I think my initial comments were want to have those operations, but at least they know quite apt. they are not going to wait in pain and put stress and strain on their families until this happens. This
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government has made an enormous commitment to that need added protection from rising crime and send reducing elective surgery waiting lists. more police to Warrandyte.
As we know, Casey Hospital will be getting a huge Ivanhoe electorate small business extension — an improvement, a modernisation. The member for Gembrook quite correctly recognised that Mr CARBINES (Ivanhoe) — The action I seek is Labor committed to it before the election, and the for the Minister for Small Business, Innovation and coalition members were Johnnies-come-lately in this Trade to visit the Ivanhoe electorate and meet with space. They thought, ‘We’d better get down there and small businesses in the West Heidelberg industrial match Labor’s commitment’, and they did, but now estate. As part of the minister’s visit I am sure that he they are out there criticising it, so you really cannot could also attend a meeting with the economic trust a word that the member for Gembrook has to say. development department of Banyule City Council. As a As I said, we do have a very fast growing former resident of West Heidelberg of seven years and economy — — as a Banyule city councillor representing the Olympia ward in West Heidelberg for five years, I think that the Business interrupted under sessional orders. West Heidelberg industrial estate is a very significant contributor to economic activity and employment in the ADJOURNMENT Ivanhoe electorate. As part of that broader base in Melbourne’s northern employment and growth cluster, The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The question is: the West Heidelberg industrial estate would benefit That the house now adjourns. from the minister’s visit, and in particular businesses like, for example, Chocolatier — a company that Warrandyte police resources exports internationally to many businesses and that has many opportunities. I think that it would be great for Mr R. SMITH (Warrandyte) — My request is to the minister to come out and visit many businesses in the Minister for Police, and that request is for her to my electorate that are providing great services in West allocate additional police to the Warrandyte police Heidelberg. station. I have raised this matter on a number of occasions on behalf of my community in the The Banyule City Council does provide great support to Parliament, by correspondence and through the businesses around economic development, and in petitioning of over 1000 local residents, yet this meeting with those organisations and with Banyule soft-on-crime Labor government will not listen. The City Council it would be great to hear about how the latest crime statistics released just last week show an government can continue to support them in the increase in crime of 10.9 per cent in the City of investment that it puts into local government and local Manningham. This comes on top of this government’s businesses in my electorate. There are many shopping closure of police stations throughout the state, a villages in the Ivanhoe electorate that are represented reduction of police numbers and a rise in statewide by chambers of commerce. The mall in West crime of 12.4 per cent from this time last year. Heidelberg, the East Ivanhoe shopping village, the Although the minister seemed able to direct 10 extra Rosanna shopping village, the Heidelberg shopping police officers to her own electorate, it is clear that the precinct and Ivanhoe village are specific shopping minister is playing politics in refusing to allocate police villages in the Ivanhoe electorate that actually make to electorates that desperately need them. sure that business prospers and that business provides great services in my electorate. We really are an This issue is far too important to play games with. In electorate of several little distinct communities that recent weeks we have had two more break-ins to local provide employment, investment and job opportunities businesses, with Thyme on the Terrace and the through businesses. Riverview Cafe and Wine Bar the latest to suffer from this rise in crime. This comes after other break-ins at Back to Banyule City Council, I would be pleased to Cocoa Moon Cafe and Quinton’s Supa IGA. These make sure that there would be opportunity for the crimes are affecting real people who are working hard Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade to in Warrandyte to make a living with businesses that add understand the economic development aims and goals to the fabric of the community. Local police are doing of the community, the council and those different the best they can and are supported by Warrandyte distinct shopping villages. There is great work and of residents, but they simply do not have the resources to course determination coming out of the 2016–17 state deal with this escalating crime. The minister should budget to cut payroll tax and boost trade funding, stop playing politics, acknowledge the communities delivering more opportunities for growth, jobs and
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2804 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 22 June 2016
investment. It is a budget that obviously provides Nillumbik tourism payroll tax cuts for some 36 000 businesses across Victoria. With that payroll tax-free threshold, which is Ms GREEN (Yan Yean) — My adjournment matter some $650 000 over the next four years, there are great is for the Minister for Tourism and Major Events, and opportunities to come and talk to businesses in the the action I seek is for him to visit the Shire of Ivanhoe electorate that have continued to prosper. I Nillumbik to see the amazing tourism assets that we look forward to the Minister for Small Business, have on offer. Nillumbik has great parks, like the Innovation and Trade visiting the Ivanhoe electorate Kinglake National Park, the Warrandyte State Park and very soon. Plenty Gorge Park; wineries such as Nillumbik Estate, Lovegrove and many more; villages and townships like Country Fire Authority enterprise bargaining St Andrews, Panton Hill, Diamond Creek, Hurstbridge, agreement Wattle Glen, Kangaroo Ground, Eltham and much more; fabulous markets, including fresh fruit markets Mr CRISP (Mildura) — My adjournment matter is and the well-known and eclectic St Andrews market; to the Minister for Emergency Services. The action I fine food producers and also restaurants and eateries, seek is that the minister ensure that volunteers make the such as the Windy Mile and many more — — decisions on uniforms and workwear for volunteer firefighters. Schedule 20 of the enterprise bargaining Ms Ward — A Boy Named Sue. agreement (EBA) requires that uniforms and workwear for all Country Fire Authority (CFA) operational staff Ms GREEN — A Boy Named Sue, thank you — must be agreed to by the United Firefighters Union that was the one I was struggling for. Thank you, (UFU). The minister needs to act to ensure that the member for Eltham. There are many more UFU does not dictate what volunteers should or should throughout — — not be wearing. Ms Ward — Piccolo Meccanico. Volunteers are proud of their uniforms and wear them Ms GREEN — Piccolo Meccanico, that is right — on special community occasions, including Anzac Day. we love our coffee there. All in all it is a fabulous Volunteers are as capable as anyone to offer advice on offering from the Shire of Nillumbik, and there are changes to uniforms and workwear. However, their great plans. I know there are some developers that are concern is that this is an attempt to take volunteers out looking at breweries and distilleries and that want to be of uniform and further intimidate them into feeling like involved in expanding major events beyond what we inferior firefighters. This is something that cannot be have. We have the Hurstbridge Wattle Festival, the allowed to happen. Similarly, with workwear the Eltham festival and many others, and there are iconic concern is that there may well be two different forms of artist communities like Montsalvat and Dunmoochin. A workwear dictated by the UFU, which will again send a lot can be done and there are a lot of ways we can message of disrespect or disregard and could even market the tourism offering from the Shire of result in different levels of personal protective Nillumbik. I would welcome the opportunity for the equipment. This also opens up the risk of a minister to come and meet with the council to make it manufactured disagreement to prevent the issuing of aware of how it can better link in with campaigns such new uniforms and workwear to new volunteers, thus as Wander Victoria so that the tourism businesses of the restricting the volunteers’ capacity to protect their Nillumbik shire may benefit. communities.
Volunteers deserve better than this. They do not seek Mornington Peninsula Freeway sound barriers reward or recognition; all they have ever asked of Mr DIXON (Nepean) — The matter I wish to raise government is to be respected. To have decisions on is for the Minister for Roads and Road Safety. The uniform and workwear made without consultation with action I seek is for the minister to make the Mornington volunteers or controlled to disadvantage volunteers is a Peninsula Freeway sound walls in the section between clear act of disrespect by the Andrews Labor Safety Beach and Rosebud a funding priority. This is government. I call on the minister today to ensure that probably the only urban freeway in Victoria that has no he acts to protect CFA volunteers from schedule 20 of sound walls — it has houses right up to it on both sides the UFU EBA. in just about all of the places, but it has no sound walls at all. As members can imagine, like any part of Victoria, the population is increasing, but in our area it has increased incredibly. Peninsula Link has added to
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Wednesday, 22 June 2016 ASSEMBLY 2805
the freeway traffic, not only in terms of people seek is for the minister to brief me on what steps have commuting but also in terms of people visiting the area. been taken by Public Transport Victoria to address the More people are living there, so there are more people ongoing issues experienced by local residents regarding in the houses that used to be holiday houses, they are the Stephen Street substation in Montmorency. living there permanently close to the freeway. On the hours that traffic runs, residents tell me that it is quite Over a number of years residents have contacted both busy up until midnight and that the traffic starts again at my office and that of the previous member for Eltham, 5 or 5.30 in the morning. Steve Herbert, with concerns about issues such as graffiti and the illegal dumping of rubbish at the Recently the section at Safety Beach was resurfaced, substation. I thank the minister for the support she and and some bright spark in VicRoads decided to put the her staff have given in working through these issues roughest possible surface on it. The noise levels have over the last 12 months. I ask the minister to advise me gone through the roof on that section. Even though it is what measures Public Transport Victoria is taking to the newest surface it is incredibly noisy. ensure that ongoing graffiti and maintenance issues are addressed in a timely manner at the Stephen Street In relation to the Dromana to Rosebud section, after substation. work by me and the community over the last number of years, we have already had VicRoads come out and test Dairy industry it. Most of the sections of that part of the freeway are above the acceptable noise level and should have sound Ms SHEED (Shepparton) — My adjournment walls. Instead of putting the walls up, VicRoads matter is for the Minister for Agriculture. The action decided to trial, in a number of sections, different road that I seek from the minister is that she meet with surfaces which were quieter. That has cut the noise federal government representatives to plead for the down, but VicRoads engineers have told me off the dairy concessional loans to be more broadly extended record that that really only makes a 5 per cent to, at to include dairy farmers whose short-term viability is best, 20 per cent difference in terms of a reduction in now affected by the recently announced milk prices, sound. For some reason the monitoring of it is over which are below the cost of production, as well as to the three years, which I think is just a stalling tactic. I associated business community. would have thought one year would be the most — you are looking at a whole year’s traffic. Today Barnaby Joyce announced that if the coalition is re-elected he will establish a regional investment The section from Safety Beach to Dromana, as I said, corporation to fast-track the delivery of loan schemes, has just been resurfaced. I recognise the fact that highlighting the delays in the dairy concessional loans VicRoads is going to rectify that mistake later this year. as a reason. It is disappointing that there has been a I also recognise the fact that VicRoads is going to work level of political conflict in the rolling out of these with the community and do the sound monitoring in loans. While there is no doubt Murray Goulburn and that section. But obviously those two sections of Fonterra suppliers are the ones that are the most greatly freeway adjoin each other, therefore the decibel levels affected, there is an enormous flow-on effect to others in one area are going to be the same in the other. in our community.
It is very, very important that VicRoads get on with that I attended two forums last week convened by the testing, because the case, I think, is already established Minister for Agriculture, one with representatives from and this matter is making life hell for those residents. local councils and the other with members of the They think they are being treated differently from all business community who are impacted by the current other residents in Victoria who live anywhere near a pricing crisis affecting the dairy industry. Councils held freeway. I think this is an urgent matter, a very concerns for their ability to attract and retain young important matter for the amenity and peaceful life of farmers in the region: what security could they give those people who live near the freeway — a growing them to invest in the district? Business owners spoke number of them — and I ask the minister to make the about worry for their own futures; they also held grave testing and then the funding of the sound walls a concerns for their local farmers, who are not just priority. customers but often friends — such is the height of community concern for those in the industry. Montmorency power substation There is no doubt that there are many in the rural Ms WARD (Eltham) — My adjournment matter is business community who are already feeling the for the Minister for Public Transport, and the action I financial stress as a result of the dairy crisis and others
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2806 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 22 June 2016
who are bracing for the economic downturn. These knew that Carnegie had a master plan, and it was people range from those in the transport and stockfeed something that needed to be fulfilled. I did not think it industry to veterinarians and our talented exporters who at all appropriate to provide a matching commitment have already stopped sending product globally as a weeks out from an election without a comprehensive result of the oversupply of milk overseas. evaluation of what exactly the school’s needs were going forward. That would have been hollow and is not These business owners were realistic about the very good practice. I made it a goal to regularly meet expectations. In the immediate and medium-term future and speak with principal Linda Jones, who is absolutely they expect jobs will be cut, and they will be cut soon, fantastic, and vice-principal Michael McCarthy, who is something our communities cannot afford. The milk excellent, over the last 18 months to make sure that we prices are slowly being announced to the community, could put the best case forward for the best outcome for but they are all coming in lower than the price of this great school. production. I urge both the state and federal governments to extend their reach, particularly in It was therefore a great thrill to be able to attend a relation to the dairy concessional loans, to those school assembly at Carnegie in April to announce that businesses associated with the dairy industry to ensure in this year’s budget the Andrews government would no-one slips through the cracks in this time of crisis. provide the school with $4 million towards the completion of its master plan in full. As I said in this Carnegie Primary School place in March last year:
Mr DIMOPOULOS (Oakleigh) — I wish to raise a While Carnegie Primary School offers a great education to matter for the Minister for Education. The action that I local kids, there are always things we can do as a government seek is for the minister to visit Carnegie Primary School to foster improvement. in the electorate of Oakleigh to meet with the leadership I am really pleased that this government will be helping team and discuss how this government’s latest budget to foster that improvement. I look forward to the commitment will transform this fantastic school. I minister’s visit to the school and to having some would firstly like to personally thank the Minister for detailed discussions with the school team to make sure Education for working for the funding for Carnegie that we meet the future needs of this great school primary. He would recall that we have had many through this $4 million in funding. I also want to thank discussions about this, and the delivery in just the my predecessor, Ann Barker, the previous member for second Andrews government budget is outstanding. I Oakleigh, who started the investment in this fantastic would also like to thank the Treasurer, of course. school through the kindergarten on the campus and other improvements. I also want to thank the school Just by way of background, weeks out from the election council president, Susan Harper, for her outstanding in 2014 the coalition announced, as it often tends to do leadership. just before an election, $1.2 million for Carnegie primary if it were re-elected. The coalition’s West Gippsland Healthcare Group commitment had no time line; it was clear that these funds would only go a small way to meeting the longer Mr BLACKWOOD (Narracan) — I raise a matter term capital needs of the school, but of course any for the Minister for Health, and the action I seek is that funds were welcome, even if the needs of other local the minister arrange for the public release of the report schools were neglected during the coalition’s four years on the review into the needs of the West Gippsland of government. I was asked at the time by parents Healthcare Group and a subsequent transition plan. It is whether we would meet that commitment. I made it my understanding that both pieces of work have been clear that we had already allocated $5.7 million for completed, and their release will enable the appropriate Amsleigh Park Primary School and $9.5 million for planning to commence for the future service delivery of Glen Eira College, as well as making significant the group. The release of these documents will also commitments to a range of other schools nearby the facilitate further discussion and hopefully a decision on electorate of Oakleigh. Those commitments were the construction of a new hospital on the greenfield site fulfilled in the first Andrews government budget. between Warragul and Drouin.
One I thing I repeatedly said was that I would work On 22 March a member for Eastern Victoria Region in directly with the school community, the principal and the other place, Harriet Shing, raised an adjournment vice-principal, the school council president, Sue matter for the Minister for Health on the same issue and Harper, and parents to see what we could do in the indicated that the departmental review into the needs of future to meet their needs and get the best outcome. I the West Gippsland Healthcare Group was an election
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Wednesday, 22 June 2016 ASSEMBLY 2807
commitment which had been discharged. However, an I have every confidence that these services have the FOI request from the shadow Minister for Health for expertise and knowledge to address family violence the same information, submitted on 3 May, was denied issues in my community. I look forward to meeting and on the basis that the review had not been completed and working with them and our great Minister for the no documents relevant to the request currently exist. Prevention of Family Violence. Either the member for Eastern Victoria Region misled the Legislative Council on 22 March or the department Responses is not being honest in the way it has dealt with the FOI request from the shadow Minister for Health. Either Mr PAKULA (Attorney-General) — I will start way, the Minister for Health must address this matter as from the bottom up. The member for Geelong raised a people in the West Gippsland community deserve to matter for the Minister for the Prevention of Family know what the future holds for the delivery of health Violence asking that she meet with local family care in their area. violence services in Geelong.
The staff and board of management of the healthcare The member for Narracan raised a matter for the group also need to be shown a little respect and Minister for Health seeking the release of a report into appreciation for the outstanding manner in which they the needs of the West Gippsland Healthcare Group. are currently coping with the enormous increase in The member for Oakleigh raised a matter for the demand for their services due to the continuing massive Minister for Education seeking that he visit Carnegie population growth in West Gippsland. Thanks to the Primary School. professionalism of staff and practitioners, the quality of health care delivered at the West Gippsland Hospital is The member for Shepparton raised a matter for the second to none. The board of management has been Minister for Agriculture seeking that she meet with the very responsible and has shown great foresight in commonwealth to plead for an extension of the planning for the future by purchasing the greenfield site commonwealth dairy concessional loans scheme. in a perfect location between Warragul and Drouin, the two largest and fastest growing towns in the area. The member for Eltham raised a matter for the Minister for Public Transport seeking a briefing on the Stephen All involved at the healthcare group and the community Street substation in Montmorency. deserve to be encouraged, supported, kept informed of progress and not kept in the dark. They need to be The member for Nepean raised a matter for the given the confidence that this government is honouring Minister for Roads and Road Safety regarding noise its election commitment and, more importantly, is walls on the Mornington Peninsula between Safety taking the appropriate steps to ensure the West Beach and Rosebud. Gippsland Healthcare Group can manage the increasing demand and continue to provide timely access to health The member for Yan Yean raised a matter for the services both now and in the future. Minister for Tourism and Major Events regarding a visit to the Shire of Nillumbik. Geelong electorate family violence services The member for Mildura raised a matter for the Ms COUZENS (Geelong) — I call on the Minister Minister for Emergency Services seeking that for the Prevention of Family Violence to join me in my volunteers decide on uniforms for volunteers. electorate of Geelong to meet with local services that provide support to women and children experiencing The member for Ivanhoe raised a matter for the family violence. The minister’s visit will provide an Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade opportunity for local services to discuss the about a visit to Heidelberg West small businesses. government’s reform agenda to help fix our broken The member for Warrandyte raised a matter for the family violence system and discuss what is needed to Minister for Police, and despite the fact that his claims end family violence in Geelong. Geelong has a number about the closure of police stations and reduction in of passionate and dedicated services, such as Minerva police numbers are completely incorrect, I will pass all Community Services, Barwon Centre Against Sexual those matters on. Assault, Bethany and the Geelong police family violence unit, and of course there are many dedicated The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The house is workers on the ground. now adjourned.
House adjourned 7.22 p.m.
2808 ASSEMBLY